The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has vowed to execute important improvements within the social protection sector in the next 120 days.

She said this during an engagement with representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs), on Tuesday, February 6, 2025.

The Gender Minister outlined key priorities, including strengthening social protection policies and reforming the country’s school feeding programme.

Her commitment aligns with the broader vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who has emphasized the need for sustainable and transparent reforms in these sectors.

The school feeding programme has faced persistent criticism over politicisation, food shortages, and financial constraints.

Acknowledging these concerns, the minister reassured stakeholders of the government’s goal to improving efficiency and expanding coverage to better support vulnerable communities.

“We still have more room for improvement. There are a lot of policies left hanging that need to be finalised, and we need the help of NGOs and CSOs to address these challenges at the grassroots level,” she stated. One of the major changes proposed is the decentralisation of the school feeding programme, aimed at ensuring quality control and accountability.

“If you cannot eat it yourself, don’t feed it to others—that is the task I am here to achieve,” Hon. Lartey emphasized, adding that the initiative seeks to provide quality food while promoting local food sourcing.