Ghana has launched its revised Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy, marking what officials describe as a bold national reset to secure a stronger foundation for children from birth to age eight.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through its Department of Children, is anchored on the theme: “Invest in Early Childhood for a Brighter Future.” It reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian child receives the right start in life.

Delivering the keynote address, the Sector Minister, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the revised policy as a decisive national commitment to promoting the survival, growth, development and protection of children.

She explained that the updated framework draws on evidence from previous implementation, lessons learned over the years and emerging global best practices. It also aligns with Ghana’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Citing research on the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of life, the Minister stressed that investment in early childhood development is not optional but strategic, key to improving national productivity, promoting equity and securing long-term prosperity.

According to her, the policy adopts a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach built on key pillars including health, nutrition, early learning, responsive caregiving, safety and inclusion.

As part of efforts to strengthen support at the family level, she announced that the Ministry, with support from UNICEF, is developing a National Parenting Strategy.

The strategy aims to equip parents and caregivers with practical, evidence-based tools to nurture and protect their children.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the leadership of John Mahama to placing children at the centre of national development.

She called for coordinated action across ministries, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), communities and families to ensure no child is left behind.

Providing an institutional perspective, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Afisah Zakariah, described the revised policy as a national milestone that guarantees children the best possible start in life.

She commended the Department of Children for leading the technical review and acknowledged the contributions of government agencies, development partners, traditional authorities and communities in shaping what she described as a collaborative and evidence-based framework responsive to the needs of Ghanaian children.

Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, and development partners, all reaffirming their commitment to supporting implementation of the policy.

A highlight of the ceremony was a symbolic performance by the Early Childhood Development Council, creatively illustrating the critical stages of child growth and the shared responsibility of families, institutions and communities in nurturing children.

The launch of the revised ECCD Policy signals a renewed national resolve to build resilient systems that guarantee every Ghanaian child a healthy, safe and inclusive start in life, securing tomorrow by investing in children today.