Outline:
Launch of the EPIC Project Marks a New Era for Child Development in Ghana
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) recently celebrated the 2025 National Children’s Day with the official launch of the Engaging Policymakers in Intersectoral Collaboration for Children (EPIC) Project. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration across various sectors to ensure that every child in Ghana has the opportunity to thrive during their critical early years.
The project was launched under the theme “Building Strategic Intersectoral Coalition to Advance Early Childhood Development.” It is a collaborative effort involving several key partners, including the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development Ghana, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the University College London. These organizations are working together to create a more integrated approach to child development in the country.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to child development. She highlighted that a child’s growth is influenced not only by health and education but also by factors such as nutrition, sanitation, social protection, and birth registration systems. According to her, no single ministry or agency can address these challenges alone, which underscores the need for strategic coalitions that bring together various stakeholders.
A Call for Collective Action
Dr. Lartey pointed out that while Ghana has made significant progress in advancing child rights, protection, and welfare, there is still much work to be done to ensure that no child is left behind. She stressed that the early years of a child’s life are too critical to be neglected, as they lay the foundation for their future as healthy and productive adults.
She referenced data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2017/18, which showed that 42.7% of children were on track in literacy and numeracy, 93.6% in physical development, 68.2% in social and emotional development, and 82.3% in learning. These figures, she noted, highlight the need for continued efforts to improve outcomes for children.
Dr. Lartey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Krowor in Accra, emphasized that the responsibility of promoting child development does not rest solely on the government. It requires commitment from all sectors, including communities, families, and the private sector. She called for early childhood development to become a national priority embedded in policies, budgets, and collective values.
The Importance of Investment in Children
The minister urged everyone to recognize that investing in children is equivalent to investing in the future of Ghana. She stated that every cedi spent on a child’s health, education, and protection yields immeasurable returns for the child, the family, and the nation as a whole.
Dr. Lartey expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their support, noting that their presence at the event demonstrated a shared commitment to creating a brighter future for Ghanaian children. She concluded by expressing hope that the launch of the EPIC Project would mark the beginning of a lasting transformation, ensuring that every child in Ghana grows up healthy, educated, protected, and empowered.
A Unified Approach for Sustainable Change
Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Chief Director of MoGCSP, echoed the call for unity and dedication among stakeholders. In a welcoming address, she urged all participants to renew their commitment to placing the rights and well-being of children at the center of their policies, programs, and daily actions.
The EPIC Project represents a significant step forward in fostering intersectoral collaboration to advance early childhood development. By moving from fragmented efforts to unified strategies, Ghana has the potential to become a model for how such coalitions can transform childhood into a launchpad for lifelong success.