The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for sustained and predictable investment in child protection systems, stressing that safeguarding children from labour exploitation requires more than strong laws. She said long‑term financing, effective partnerships and collective national commitment are essential to secure the future of Ghana’s children.
Delivering the keynote address at the National Justice Conference on the theme “Sustainable Funding for Child Protection Against Labour Exploitation,” Dr. Lartey commended International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana and its partners for initiating dialogue on one of the country’s most pressing child protection concerns.
She emphasised that protecting children is a shared national responsibility involving government, parliament, the Judiciary, development partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and families. “Sustainable child protection depends on coordinated action, predictable financing and a common commitment to safeguarding the rights and well‑being of every child,” she stated.
According to the Minister, every child subjected to labour exploitation is denied the opportunity to realise his or her full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development. She explained that investment in child protection should not be viewed merely as a social obligation but as a strategic investment in Ghana’s human capital and future prosperity.
Dr. Lartey further underscored the need for financing mechanisms that are predictable, well coordinated and efficiently managed to ensure interventions deliver lasting outcomes. She added that sustainable financing is not only about mobilising additional resources but also about ensuring available resources are strategically allocated to achieve maximum impact.
The conference, organised by IJM Ghana under the National Justice Conference initiative, sought to advance discussions on developing a sustainable financing roadmap for child protection in Ghana, with particular focus on combating child exploitation. The programme featured presentations and panel discussions on strengthening financing mechanisms and improving child protection systems.
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