The Executives of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), led by its President, Mr. Richard Class-Peters, have engaged the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to explore areas of collaboration and discuss issues affecting graduate students and vulnerable groups.
The engagement formed part of efforts by GRASAG to establish stronger partnerships with the Ministry and contribute to initiative aimed at promoting inclusion, protecting vulnerable persons and advancing the welfare of women and other marginalized groups.
Presenting the purpose of the engagement, Mr. Class-Peters said the Association was interested in working closely with the Ministry in areas of research and also to support its initiatives and help create greater awareness of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121)
Dr. Naa Momo meets with GRASAG executives.He said GRASAG was also keen to contribute to the Ministry’s efforts to combat human trafficking and female genital mutilation, adding that the Association was open to supporting initiatives that advanced the welfare of vulnerable groups.
The GRASAG President further raised concerns about the challenges faced by graduate students who are mothers, as well as women with disabilities pursuing graduate education, including those in private institutions. He therefore sought clarity on the support systems available to such students and how the Ministry could collaborate with GRASAG to help address some of the challenges.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey said the Ministry was open to partnerships that strengthened its mandate and extended the reach of its programmes. She explained that issues relating to persons with disabilities required collaboration across sectors, noting that while free tertiary education had been introduced for undergraduate students, support at the graduate level required further engagements.
The Minister also highlighted the Disability Common Fund, noting its allocation had been increased from three to five percent. She encouraged GRASAG to advise its members to engage their respective local authorities and submit requests outlining their specific needs to enable the relevant District Assemblies to consider and provide the necessary support.
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey added that, the Ministry regularly engaged persons with disabilities through programmes and commemorative activities and remained open to working with relevant groups on policies and initiatives that promote their welfare.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry and GRASAG to strengthening stakeholder collaboration and contributing to initiatives that promote inclusion, protect vulnerable persons and advance the welfare of all.
