Gender Ministry Engages Shai Osudoku Residents on Social Protection

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has engaged residents of Shai Osudoku in the Greater Accra Region on social protection programmes and welfare concerns, as part of efforts to improve access to government support for vulnerable groups.

The dialogue formed part of the Ministry’s Community Dialogue Series on Social Protection, which seeks to bring information on social protection services closer to communities while allowing citizens to raise concerns and contribute to decisions affecting their wellbeing.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Dr Marian W. A. Kpakpah, said social protection was essential to helping individuals and households cope with poverty and vulnerability while promoting inclusion in national development.

She highlighted government interventions, including Mahama Care, the No-Fee-Stress policy for tertiary students, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, Free Primary Healthcare, free sanitary pads for girls, Nkoko Nkitinkiti and Adwumawura, as part of efforts to build a more inclusive society.

Dr Kpakpah encouraged residents to seek information and assistance through the Ministry’s support channels, stressing that people should speak up when faced with social challenges rather than suffer in silence.

She urged the public to use the Helpline of Hope toll-free numbers, 0800-800-800 and 0800-900-900, or the Orange Support Centre on 0800-111-222 to obtain information, report grievances and domestic violence cases, and seek support on social protection services.

The Chief Director also commended the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for partnering with the Ministry to provide free registration and renewal services. She called on participants to share their experiences, identify gaps in service delivery and propose practical solutions to help shape policies that respond to their needs.

The Assembly Member for the Shai Osudoku area, James Tei-Mensah, welcomed the initiative and urged residents to participate actively in community engagements, provide accurate information and seek assistance through the appropriate channels when confronted with social difficulties.

The Paramount Queen Mother of Osudoku, Nana Amponsah III, called for stronger public awareness and clearer communication about social protection interventions to ensure that eligible beneficiaries were not excluded.

She further encouraged traditional authorities, community members, the Assembly, and relevant government institutions to work together to identify vulnerable persons and help them access available support.

Grace Acheampong, ISD