By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with civil society organisations to advance inclusive development, empower local institutions, and strengthen community-led initiatives.
She made the remarks on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the regional convening of the Shifting the Power Programme, where she formally launched the Civil Society Strengthening Programme (CSSP) Strategy as Guest of Honour. The event was organised by STAR-Ghana Foundation and its partners.
Dr. Lartey described the gathering as an important milestone in reimagining civil society’s role in shaping sustainable development across the region. According to her, the launch of the CSSP Strategy “goes beyond a strategy document” and signals a renewed regional commitment to building the capacity of local organisations, strengthening leadership, and enhancing cross-country collaboration among Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi.
She emphasised that civil society remains central to Ghana’s social development agenda, particularly in delivering the Ministry’s mandates on gender equality, child protection, social protection and community welfare. The Minister commended CSOs for amplifying the voices of women and children, enhancing accountability, strengthening community structures, and generating evidence that informs national policies.
Dr. Lartey added that the Ministry continues to prioritise platforms that bring government and civil society together to align policy, share knowledge, and respond effectively to emerging issues affecting vulnerable groups.
She also applauded STAR-Ghana Foundation and its partners for their sustained investment in organisational development, partnership-building, and capacity enhancement, noting that these efforts have been “invaluable to advancing Ghana’s progress.”
As the event coincided with World AIDS Day, the Minister used the occasion to highlight the urgency of sustained advocacy and community-led initiatives in the fight against HIV. She called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts to reduce new infections and ensure that vulnerable populations can access treatment, care, and social support without stigma or discrimination.
