Ghana launches legal reforms to expand social protection and women’s representation

Ghana has launched three legal instruments aimed at improving support for vulnerable groups and expanding women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

The instruments were unveiled by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang in Accra on Wednesday, at an event organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) under the theme, “Building an Inclusive, Equitable and Resilient Ghana: From Legislation to Results.”

The new frameworks comprise 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).

Speaking at the launch, the vice president said the true value of the instruments would be determined by their ability to improve the lives of Ghanaians, particularly people facing poverty and other forms of vulnerability.

She explained that the Social Protection Act establishes a legal basis for a coordinated national system covering social assistance, social insurance, emergency support and the Social Protection Fund. It also provides for mechanisms through which citizens can lodge complaints and seek redress.

The accompanying regulations are expected to guide the implementation of the Act, while the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations will help institutions meet their responsibilities in promoting women’s representation in leadership and decision-making.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for effective implementation, accountability and responsible use of public resources to ensure that the new laws deliver the intended benefits.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the launch as both a major achievement and a responsibility for the Ministry.

She acknowledged the contributions of women’s groups, persons with disabilities, older persons and other stakeholders whose advocacy and consultations helped shape the instruments.

To support implementation, the Minister outlined five key commitments: making the laws available in simple language and local languages; equipping institutions with practical guidelines, reporting templates and training; strengthening data systems, beneficiary targeting and coordination; improving complaints and feedback channels; and publishing regular progress reports.

She also pledged full compliance by the Ministry and its agencies with the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations.

Dr Lartey urged social welfare officers, community development officers, gender desk officers and other frontline personnel to carry out their duties with fairness, professionalism and compassion, stressing that their work would be essential to turning the legal provisions into practical support for citizens.

The human impact of social protection was highlighted through the experience of an older widow who struggled to care for her children and keep them in school following the death of her husband.

Without a salary or pension and with limited mobility due to age, she depended on assistance to meet her household’s basic needs. Her experience illustrated the importance of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme in supporting vulnerable families, while underscoring the need to connect social assistance with livelihood opportunities that can help households build lasting resilience.

UNICEF and the World Bank representatives welcomed the launch and reaffirmed their support for Ghana’s efforts to strengthen social protection and gender equity.

They emphasised the need for reliable data and effective programme delivery, as well as stronger links between social assistance and essential services, skills development, livelihood opportunities and financial inclusion.