The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has officially launched the National Shock-Responsive Social Protection Strategy (NSRSPS) under the theme "From Preparedness to Resilience, Strengthening Shock-Responsive Social Protection Systems in Ghana".

The launch marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to build a more adaptive and resilient social protection system capable of responding effectively to shocks such as climate change, economic downturns, pandemics, and other emergencies that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasised that the increasing frequency and intensity of shocks in Ghana continue to threaten livelihoods, food security, and overall well-being.

Therefore, a framework has been established to enhance and safeguard lives and livelihoods during times of crisis.

According to the sector Minister, the Launch of the National Shock-Responsive Social Protection Strategy provides a coherent national framework to guide how the country anticipates risks, prepares in advance, responds rapidly when shocks occur, and supports recovery in a coordinated, efficient, and inclusive manner.

After commending key partners for their continuous technical support to Ghana’s social protection agenda, Dr Agnes Naa Momo stressed that the strategy reflects a shared commitment to building a more resilient, responsive, and sustainable-financed social protection system for Ghana.

The Minister, on behalf of the President, John Dramani Mahama, launched the National Shock-Responsive Social Protection Strategy, together with its Standard Operating Procedures and Implementation Plan.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Director of MoGCSP, Dr Marian W. A. Kpakpah stated that the NSRSPS, together with its operating procedures and implementation Plan, has been developed as a comprehensive framework to guide all.

She, however, appealed to all to remain guided by a collective vision of building a resilient and inclusive social protection system that leaves no one behind in times of crisis.

The Chairperson for the event, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, stressed that crises are no longer occasional events but are ongoing challenges. She pointed out that these shocks disproportionately affect women, children, and persons with disabilities.

She urged the stakeholders to focus on effective implementation rather than a mere ceremony.

Development partners and key stakeholders, including NADMO, the World Bank Group, UNICEF, the British High Commission, the World Food Programme, and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare, delivered solidarity messages.

They commended the Ministry for its leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical and financial support for the Strategy’s successful operationalisation.

The Consultant, Dr Esther Oduraa Ofei-Aboagye, presented an overview of the Strategy and its Implementation Plan, highlighting its core pillars of risk anticipation, preparedness, rapid response, and recovery.

She emphasised the importance of leveraging existing programmes, strengthening institutional linkages, and ensuring that interventions are timely, well-targeted, and scalable to meet the needs of Ghana’s most vulnerable populations.

The launch convened representatives from government institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, civil society organizations, traditional & faith-based authorities, academic & research institutions, development partners, and the media.