Ghana has taken a decisive step toward transforming early childhood development with the launch of its revised Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) Policy. Led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through its Department of Children, the initiative reinforces Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child receives the right start in life under the theme: “Invest in Early Childhood for a Brighter Future.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Sector Minister, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey described the revised policy as a decisive national commitment to promoting the survival, growth, development and protection of children from birth to age 8. She explained that the revised policy is informed by evidence, lessons from previous implementation, and emerging global best practices, and aligns with national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.
New Early Childhood Policy for Ghana.Citing research on the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of life, the Minister stressed that investment in early childhood development is not optional, but strategic to national productivity, equity, and long term prosperity.
The Minister further noted that the Policy adopts a whole of government and whole of society approach anchored on key pillars, including health, nutrition, early learning, responsive care giving, safety and inclusion. As part of strengthening family level support, she announced that the Ministry with support from UNICEF is developing a National Parenting Strategy to euip parents and caregivers with practical, evidence-based tools to nurture and protect their children.
The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment under the leadership of H. E. John Dramani Mahama to placing children at the centre of national development and called for collective action across Ministries, MMDAs, communities, and families to ensure that no child is left behind.
Providing institutional perspective, the Chief Director, of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah described the revised policy as a national milestone that ensures children receive the best start in life. She commended the Department of Children for leading the technical review and acknowledged the contributions of government agencies, development partners, traditional authorities and communities in shaping a collaborative, evidence-based framework responsive to the needs of Ghanaian children.
Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, and development partners, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the implementation of the Policy
A highlight of the ceremony was a symbolic performance by the ECD Council, creatively depicting the critical stages of child growth and the shared responsibility of families, institutions, and communities in nurturing children. The launch of the revised ECCD Policy marks a renewed national resolve to build a resilient systems that guarantee every Ghanaian child a healthy, safe and inclusive start in life, security children’s tomorrow, today.
