Boost for govt’s social protection programme
The government has secured a €31.6 million (about GH¢135.71 million) grant from the European Union (EU) to fund a new social protection programme in the country.
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The ‘Ghana Employment and Social Protection Programme’ (GESP) is a four-year development programme which will ensure inclusive growth by strengthening social protection and employment systems.
The grant forms part of the government’s initiative to enhance social protection services for vulnerable population groups and generate decent employment opportunities, with particular focus on the youth.
The Minister of Finance, Mr Seth Terkper, signed on behalf of the government, while the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr William Hanna, signed on behalf of the EU.
at the signing ceremony in Accra, Mr Terkper indicated that the EU had an impressive record of supporting the country’s development agenda.
“EU interventions in various sectors are highly commendable and today, we have gathered here to witness the signing of another support programme for the employment and social protection sectors in Ghana,” he said.
The programme, which would be implemented under four key components, had been formulated and designed jointly by relevant ministries and government agencies in close association with EU member States.
In specifics, there is a component to strengthen technical and vocational education and training and was allocated €7 million (approximately GH¢30.06 million), which will be managed by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).
Protection for the vulnerable
Mr Hanna said the programme would focus on people, providing new opportunities, including training and skills development of the youth, business development for small and medium enterprises, and protection for the most vulnerable.
He noted that the programme would also help address the root causes of illegal migration.
"One of the biggest challenges we are facing today in our cooperation is how to cope with illegal migration. How do we ensure that young people in the country do not take the dangerous road across the Sahara, falling into the hands of traffickers, risking their lives," he added.
He said the grant would also assist the private sector to generate new jobs and give young people the skills needed to find a decent work.
