Government expands social protection outreach to communities in Krowor

Government intensified efforts to bring social protection services closer to communities following a Community Dialogue on Social Protection organised in the Krowor Municipality. The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the Krowor Municipal Assembly. The durbar, which was held at the Nungua Traditional Authority, aimed to educate residents on key government social intervention programmes while raising awareness about pressing social challenges affecting communities.

Issues discussed during the engagement included domestic violence, child labour, child trafficking, teenage pregnancy, mental health, illicit drug abuse and child protection. Participants were also sensitised on referral pathways for victims of abuse and violence, as well as the use of child protection toolkits. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, described social protection as "an investment in human dignity, social stability and national development rather than an act of charity." She reaffirmed government's commitment to strengthening interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, support services for Persons with Disabilities and child protection initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable families. Paul Afotey Quaye, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Krowor Municipal Assembly, highlighted the importance of community participation, collaboration with traditional authorities and access to information in improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development.

As part of the outreach programme, residents were offered free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and renewal services, while sanitary pads were distributed to schoolgirls to support menstrual hygiene and girls' education. The event brought together traditional leaders, assembly members, community leaders, departmental heads, youth groups and residents within the municipality. Participants commended the initiative and called for sustained community engagements to help address social challenges and improve access to government support services.