Ministry of Gender and Lordina Foundation Lead Health and Social Welfare Interventions Across Ghana

Efforts to strengthen Ghana's social safety nets and healthcare delivery are intensifying through both public and private initiatives. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) recently conducted a major sensitisation campaign in the Northern Region, while the Lordina Foundation has successfully provided critical health screenings for retirees in Greater Accra. These combined efforts highlight a nationwide focus on addressing the health and social needs of vulnerable populations, ranging from rural communities to elderly citizens. In Zoggu, the MoGCSP addressed critical information gaps concerning human trafficking, child protection, and mental health. Director Francisca Atuluk emphasized the necessity of reaching remote areas to empower citizens with knowledge of their rights and available support systems. Complementing this outreach, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme is undergoing a significant expansion, increasing its reach from 350,000 to 400,000 households. The ministry also introduced inflation-indexed payments and proposed reforms to ensure grant sizes are better aligned with specific household needs. Clinical Health Psychologist Peter Mintir Amadu highlighted the importance of these forums in tackling substance abuse in northern Ghana. While awareness is growing, Amadu stressed that sustained efforts are required to curb the trend effectively. This focus on mental and physical health is mirrored in the southern part of the country, where the Lordina Foundation recently held its seventh free health screening for the Retired Ministers and Spouses Association (RMSA) of the Assemblies of God. Led by former First Lady Lordina Mahama, the foundation provided over 160 retirees with consultations, medications, and screenings for Hepatitis B, prostate health, and blood sugar levels. Mrs. Mahama noted that the initiative is designed to honor and care for those who have spent their lives in service to the community. Beneficiaries reported significant improvements in their well-being, receiving not only medical attention but also nutritional support and gifts. These dual interventions illustrate the multi-faceted approach required to address Ghana's health and social challenges. While government-led expansions of the LEAP programme aim to provide a more robust financial safety net, private foundations are filling critical gaps in specialized healthcare for the elderly. Moving forward, the success of such initiatives will depend on continued outreach to underserved regions and the sustained provision of medical resources to those at high risk.