The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for sustained investment in child protection systems to strengthen efforts to combat child labour exploitation.

Speaking at the National Justice Conference on Thursday, July 9, on the theme "Sustainable Funding for Child Protection Against Labour Exploitation", Dr Lartey said protecting children requires more than strong laws, stressing the need for long-term funding, effective partnerships, and a collective national commitment.

She commended International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana and its partners for organising the conference, saying it had created an opportunity to discuss one of the country's key child protection challenges.

Dr Lartey said protecting children is a shared responsibility involving government, Parliament, the Judiciary, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, communities, and families.

According to her, sustainable child protection depends on coordinated action, predictable funding, and a common commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of every child.

She said children who are subjected to labour exploitation are often denied the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Dr Lartey urged stakeholders to see investment in child protection not only as a social responsibility but also as an investment in Ghana's future.

She also called for funding mechanisms that are predictable, well-coordinated, and efficiently managed to ensure child protection interventions produce lasting results.

"Sustainable financing is not only about mobilising additional resources but also about ensuring available resources are strategically allocated to achieve maximum impact," she said.

The event featured presentations and panel discussions on strengthening financing mechanisms and improving child protection systems.