By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
+233 541921562
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has undertaken a working visit to the 31st December Women’s Early Childhood Day Care Centre at Makola Market, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening child protection and early childhood development systems.
The visit provided the Minister with first-hand insight into the operations of the facility, which serves children of market women and other informal sector workers.
She interacted with caregivers, children and traders, and held discussions with the Centre’s management to better appreciate the challenges confronting early childhood care delivery within busy market environments.
Dr. Lartey stressed the critical importance of safe, structured and nurturing spaces for children, particularly during their formative years. She noted that access to reliable day care services enables mothers to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are protected and properly cared for.
The Queen Mother of the Greater Accra Market Women Association welcomed the Minister and expressed gratitude for the visit.
She described the day care centre as a lifeline for many trading mothers and appealed for sustained government support to upgrade infrastructure and provide essential caregiving materials.
In response, the Minister donated GH¢10,000 to support the operations of the Association and the Day Care Centre.
She also presented assorted drinks and biscuits to the children, bringing smiles to many at the facility. Beyond the donation, she engaged market women in discussions about their working conditions and how government policies can better respond to their social and economic needs.
The Minister’s tour also included a visit to the Makola Clinic, where she inspected the facility and assessed healthcare service delivery.
She reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with health authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen maternal and child welfare services within market communities.
Addressing the media, Dr. Lartey explained that the visit forms part of follow-up measures after the revision of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.
She emphasized that government, under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, remains resolute in prioritizing child protection, especially for children between zero and eight years.
She commended the management of the 31st December Day Care Centre for sustaining operations despite resource constraints, noting that well-structured day care systems significantly reduce cases of child neglect and vulnerability.
Dr. Lartey further announced plans to modernize market-based day care centres, ensure their sustainability beyond political cycles, expand facilities to meet rising demand, and replicate the model in major markets across the country.
The visit reflects the Ministry’s broader agenda to reinforce early childhood development systems and guarantee safe, supportive environments for children in market settings nationwide.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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