Gov't to launch new legal frameworks to strengthen social protection, gender equity

The government is set to launch three major legal instruments aimed at strengthening social protection and advancing gender equity in Ghana.

The instruments are the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), the Social Protection Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2521), and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2522).

The launch is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, in Accra, under the theme: “Building An Inclusive, Equitable and Resilient Ghana: From Legislation to Impact.”

“The launch will mark an important step in strengthening Ghana's legal and institutional framework for social protection while advancing gender equity and inclusion," the statement read in part.

The Social Protection Act, 2025 provides the legal foundation for a coordinated national social protection system to support people experiencing poverty, vulnerability and social or economic risks.

It also establishes institutional arrangements to improve the coordination and delivery of social protection interventions across the country.

The Social Protection Regulations, 2026 provide the regulatory framework for implementing the Act, while the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations, 2026 provide a framework for implementing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).

According to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the three instruments will strengthen coordination and accountability and also clarify the responsibilities of institutions involved in social protection and gender equity programmes.

“Together, the three legal instruments provide an important framework to strengthen coordination, accountability, and implementation across social protection and gender equity interventions," the statement noted.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is expected to officially launch the three legal instruments.

The Ministry said the implementation of the frameworks is expected to strengthen social protection delivery, promote inclusion and create greater opportunities for women and other disadvantaged groups.