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Report by Edward FRIMPONG
The Government of Ghana demonstrates its dedication to enhancing human capital, improving livelihoods, and fostering economic growth through the implementation of various Social Protection (SP) initiatives. These initiatives include the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme (exempt category), the Ghana School Feeding Programme, the Education Capitation Grant for basic schools, and the Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW).
The Social Protection programmes, particularly LEAP, administered by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, have made significant contributions to society by reducing poverty, addressing vulnerability, and narrowing the inequality gap.
Despite the notable successes of these SP programmes, their achievements are often underreported or insufficiently communicated to the public.
Consequently, it is essential to strengthen communication efforts within the SP programmes to connect their significant accomplishments with public awareness, thereby ensuring increased visibility, support, and sustainability for the objectives of social empowerment.
In this context, the Social Protection Directorate (SPD) of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection organized a capacity-building workshop for selected journalists on Social Protection programmes.
The workshop, held on Monday, 13th August 2024, in Kumasi, brought together members of the Journalists in Social Protection (JISOP) from both the Northern and Middle Zones of Ghana.
The primary aim of this training was to equip journalists with the essential knowledge and tools required for accurate reporting on SP programmes.
The Social Protection Directorate praised the members of JISOP for their collective dedication to emphasizing the significance of social protection, a critical issue aimed at ensuring that all individuals within society have access to essential resources and the means to lead a dignified life.
Acknowledging the vital function that journalists serve in connecting policymakers with the public, the SPD reaffirmed the essential role journalists play in promoting the effective implementation and beneficial enhancement of government policies.
Mohammed Fugu, the Northern Zone Coordinator of JISOP, emphasized the crucial importance of journalism in the realm of social protection.
“Beyond everyday reporting, it involves breaking down complexities, shaping narratives, highlighting needs, and advocating for policy changes. As journalists, our role extends to amplifying the voices of the voiceless and ensuring that their stories inspire action and change,” he noted.
He urged journalists to demonstrate greater dedication in raising awareness about social protection issues and initiatives while also advocating for enhanced collaboration and engagement between JISOP, SPD, and various stakeholders in Social Protection.
This capacity-building workshop is part of a series of zonal trainings designed by the Social Protection Directorate to mobilize journalists in providing enhanced education, reporting, and advocacy regarding social protection programmes in the country.
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