Accra: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has inaugurated a childcare centre at its premises to support staff, particularly nursing mothers. The facility will cater for children aged seven months to three years, providing quality care and stimulation while parents attend to official duties.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, emphasized the centre as a haven where children will receive care and stimulation through various activities, allowing parents to focus on national development without distractions. The centre is equipped with trained caregivers and features early learning programmes to support cognitive and intellectual development, including services for children with special needs.
Dr Lartey highlighted the initiative as part of efforts to assist working parents, especially mothers, in balancing professional and childcare responsibilities. She stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as crucial to child development. The initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to gender equality, child protection, and social inclusion, promoting children's rights as outlined in the 1992 Constitution, the Children's Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Minister acknowledged financial support from Child Rights International, which trained the facility's caregivers, and encouraged public and private institutions to adopt similar initiatives. Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director at the Ministry, described the opening as a significant step in supporting staff, recognizing the challenges faced by working parents in balancing professional responsibilities with childcare.
Dr. Zakariah noted that the initiative complements the National Care Reform Roadmap 2024-2028, which aims to shift child protection from institutional care to family-based care. The childcare centre exemplifies family-based care, allowing parents to be close to their children while fulfilling their professional duties. She commended the Minister for her leadership and acknowledged the contribution of development partners in realizing the project, stating that the facility stands as a testament to prioritizing the needs of staff and their families.
