Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for sustained and predictable investment in Ghana’s child protection systems, saying legislation alone is not enough to protect children from labour exploitation.
She said lasting progress requires long-term financing, strong partnerships and a coordinated national commitment involving government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and families.
Long-term investment is essential
Dr Lartey made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the National Justice Conference, held under the theme, “Sustainable Funding for Child Protection Against Labour Exploitation.”
The conference was organised by International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana as part of its National Justice Conference initiative.
She commended IJM Ghana and its partners for creating a platform to discuss one of the country’s most pressing child protection issues.
According to the minister, safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of Parliament, the Judiciary, government institutions, development partners and communities.
Funding must be predictable and coordinated
Dr Lartey stressed that effective child protection depends on reliable funding and well-coordinated interventions.
She said sustainable financing should not only focus on raising more resources but also on ensuring that available funds are strategically allocated and efficiently managed to achieve lasting results.
The minister added that children subjected to labour exploitation are denied the opportunity to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She therefore urged stakeholders to view investment in child protection not only as a social obligation but also as an investment in Ghana’s future human capital and economic development.
Stakeholders discuss financing roadmap
Dr Lartey called for financing mechanisms that are predictable, properly coordinated and sustainable to strengthen child protection systems across the country.
The conference brought together policymakers, judicial officers, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable financing roadmap for child protection, with a focus on combating child labour exploitation through stronger partnerships and improved funding mechanisms.
