Ministerial round table of the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69)
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
Minister For Gender, Children and
Social Protection of the Republic of Ghana
Conference Room 4,
United Nations, New York
March 11 2025
MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE OF THE 69TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW69)
Chairperson, Colleague Ministers of State,
I am pleased to participate in this session.
Ghana has made significant strides in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action by integrating gender equality into national policies and socio-economic development programs. The government’s commitment to empowering women and girls remains resolute, recognizing that gender equality is essential for national progress. Through targeted interventions, Ghana continues to advance women’s empowerment and uphold the principles of the Beijing Declaration.
Chairperson,
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pressing human rights violations, limiting their ability to fully contribute to national development. In Ghana, women, girls, persons with disabilities, and the elderly are among the most vulnerable groups, making the fight against gender-based violence a key national priority.
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has implemented key interventions to combat violence and support victims. These include school sensitization programs, a ten-year Strategic Plan to End Child Marriage, and the establishment of a Domestic Violence Management Board. The Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund provides direct support to survivors, while shelters have been rehabilitated for both child and adult victims of trafficking and domestic violence. The ‘Helpline of Hope’ Call Center offers 24/7 crisis intervention, and the Orange Support Centre facilitates case management for survivors.
Chairperson,
Recognizing the link between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, Ghana has strengthened social protection programs. The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) cash transfer program supports female-headed households, while the Ghana School Feeding Programme improves nutrition and school retention for girls.
Furthermore, Ghana continues to strengthen its legal framework to protect women’s rights. Key reforms include the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, the Revised National Gender Policy (2023–2033), the Domestic Violence Act, 2007; the Human Trafficking Act, 2005; the Children’s Act, 1998; and the Persons with Disability Act, 2006, the Ghana National Social Protection Policy, and the National Ageing Policy.
To conclude, Chairperson, we cannot afford to lose momentum in the fight against gender-based violence. If we, as Ministers, collaborate and commit resources, we can drive real, systemic change. Ghana remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen institutions, enhance victim protection, and ensure effective service delivery in the fight for gender justice.
I thank you for your kind attention.