Gender Ministry advocates stronger families to boost child welfare

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has called for renewed efforts to strengthen families and create safer communities for children as Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark the 2026 International Day of Families on May 15.

In a statement issued to mark the occasion, the Ministry noted that this year’s celebration is themed “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” emphasizing the critical role families play in shaping society and supporting children’s growth.

According to the Ministry, many families continue to face economic and social challenges, including poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, child labour, human trafficking, and limited access to quality healthcare and education, all of which negatively affect children’s development.

It stressed that such pressures reduce families’ ability to provide children with the care, protection, and guidance necessary for healthy upbringing.

The Ministry reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving child wellbeing through social protection programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), School Feeding Programme, National Parenting Strategy, and strengthened child protection systems.

It also highlighted policies including the Child and Family Welfare Policy, Justice for Children Policy, National Child Policy, and the recently launched Early Childhood Care and Development Policy.
Additionally, the Ministry said efforts are being intensified to tackle gender-based violence, promote disability inclusion, strengthen community-based child protection, and improve digital and social welfare services.

MoGCSP further urged parents, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, development partners, and communities to work together in building resilient families and ensuring no child is left behind.