Omanghana
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has launched three legal instruments aimed at strengthening support for vulnerable Ghanaians and increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
The instruments, unveiled in Accra on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, are the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), the Social Protection Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2521), and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2522).
Addressing the launch, the Vice President said their success would depend on measurable improvements in people’s lives. She called for accountability, effective implementation and responsible use of public resources.
She explained that the Social Protection Act provides a basis for coordinating social assistance, insurance and emergency support. It also makes provision for a Social Protection Fund and complaints and redress mechanisms.
The accompanying regulations will guide implementation, while the gender equity regulations are intended to help institutions fulfil their responsibilities towards women’s representation.
Representatives of UNICEF and the World Bank welcomed the initiative and emphasized reliable data, effective service delivery and links between social assistance and livelihood opportunities.
Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey described the rollout as a transition from policy commitments to enforceable legal arrangements.
She said the instruments would strengthen efforts to address poverty, inequality and exclusion, while supporting Ghana’s commitments to poverty reduction and gender equality under the Sustainable Development Goals.
The ministry plans a nationwide public education campaign to help institutions and citizens understand the laws and their respective responsibilities and rights.
Source: Omanghana
