By: Valentia Tetteh
Parliament has passed the Social Protection Bill, 2025, aimed at strengthening Ghana’s social safety net and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable groups and the elderly.
The Bill seeks to promote equitable access to social protection, ensure the provision of specialized services for persons in need, and establish clear institutional arrangements to coordinate the country’s social protection agenda.
It further provides a comprehensive legal framework to consolidate the numerous social intervention programmes introduced by successive governments, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grants, and exemptions under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
A key feature of the legislation is the establishment of a Social Protection Fund to finance emergency responses and sustain critical welfare initiatives. This is expected to provide sustainable financing for ongoing interventions, particularly during times of economic shocks and humanitarian crises.
The Bill, which has been before the House since the 8th Parliament, was passed after extensive deliberations and consultations with stakeholders. Lawmakers say its passage marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and resilient society.
