The Australian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones, has paid a working visit to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to explore areas of collaboration and strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in advancing gender and social development.
Discussions during the meeting focused on key priority areas including the promotion of gender equality, women’s participation in peace and security, child protection, and addressing the issue of children living and working on the streets, as well as sexual harassment involving children.
The Australian Ambassador commended Ghana for its leadership in promoting gender equality, especially the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Act, describing it as a significant milestone in advancing women’s rights and representation.
In her response, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Australian High Commission to support government priorities in social protection and gender equality.
Touching on the issue of street children, the Minister reiterated her commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to address what she described as a growing national security concern.
“This has now become a national security issue, and there is a pressing need for all institutions involved to work together to curb the menace of children living on the streets,” she stated.
Providing updates on the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, the Minister revealed that a Gender Equity Committee will soon be established to oversee the implementation of the Act and to raise awareness on its provisions.
She further disclosed that the government is establishing farming service centres across the country, aimed at providing women with direct access to farming inputs. This, she said, will empower women in agribusiness and promote self-reliance.
She concluded by reaffirming government’s commitment to inclusivity, reducing vulnerability, and strengthening social protection systems to ensure that no one is left behind.
Also in attendance was the Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah.