The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has engaged residents of Dachio in Bolgatanga East in a community social protection dialogue, with officials saying the programme is designed to bring government interventions closer to vulnerable populations.
Bolgatanga East is the fourth district nationwide to host the dialogue, after two districts in Greater Accra and one district in the Northern Region.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Director for Social Protection at the ministry, Francisca Atuluk, said social protection is key to sustainable development and reducing poverty and inequality.
“Social protection is an indispensable tool for achieving sustainable development. The Government of Ghana, under His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, recognises that every citizen deserves a life of dignity, free from extreme deprivation and social exclusion,” she stated.
Mrs. Atuluk highlighted the passage of the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), as a landmark step to provide a legal framework for coordinating social protection services nationwide. Credit was given to the local MP for playing a key role in securing the legislation.
“Many children, women, men, persons with disabilities and elderly persons continue to experience poverty, exclusion and other forms of vulnerability that limit their participation in development. Government must respond with practical and compassionate interventions,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry noted that data shows many rural and hard-to-reach communities have limited access to information, opportunities, and essential services.
“That is why Government is bringing social protection closer to the people through community engagement, sensitisation and advocacy. Available data indicates most of the people have limited access to information and services,” the official explained.
Bolgatanga East DCE Jacob Abugre Aka-Eri described the dialogue as timely and outlined Assembly interventions that align with the government’s social protection agenda.
The Chief of Dachio, Naaba Thomas Akalga II, expressed happiness that his community had been selected for the programme. He described it as very important for residents and pledged the community’s support to ensure its success.
The dialogue forms part of the government’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient society, “where no one is left behind,” in line with the new Social Protection Act, 2025.
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