Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday July 31, 2025 passed the Social Protection Bill, 2025 into law, marking a historic step in the country’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable citizens and institutionalize social welfare delivery.
The landmark legislation, which was passed under the acertificate of urgency is a major milestone in Ghana’s policy landscape, provides the first-ever comprehensive legal backing for the country’s social protection system.
The bill was first introduced in the 8th Parliament but was not passed before the dissolution of that Parliament.
For over 25 years, Ghana has implemented numerous interventions without a legal framework.
Some of these interventions include the Programme of Action to Mitigate the Social Cost of Adjustment (PAMSCAD), the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS I) and the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II).
The rest are the National Social Protection Strategy, the School Feeding Programme, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), and the Labour-Intensive Public Works Programme.
The passage of the Social Protection bill, 2025 aligns Ghana’s efforts with key provisions of the 1992 Constitution, as well as international commitments such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Once it receives Presidential assent and becomes enforceable, the new law is expected to significantly improve the coherence, funding, and impact of Ghana’s social protection efforts, securing the rights and livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians now and into the future.
The law aims to provide a structured and rights-based approach to protecting the chronically poor, economically at-risk individuals, socially vulnerable populations, and persons affected by national emergencies such as pandemics, natural disasters, and economic shocks.
It also establishes clear roles and responsibilities among implementing agencies to ensure coordinated and efficient delivery of social protection services across the country.
One key feature of the new legislations is the proposed establishment of a Social Protection Fund to mobilize and manage financial resources in support of social welfare programmes. The fund will serve as a sustainable financing mechanism to guarantee continuous support to vulnerable members of the society.
Additionally, the law provides for the creation of a National Household Registry. This database will serve as a tool to accurately identify and target beneficiaries, improve efficiency, eliminate duplication, and promote transparency in the delivery of support services.
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agness Naa Momo Lartey, described the passage of the bill as “a transformative moment for inclusive development,” stating that the legislation would ensure “no Ghanaian is left behind.”
By: Christian Kpesese/NR NEWS
