MoGCSP Engages Stakeholders to Strengthen Ghana’s Adoption Process

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Central Adoption Authority (CAA), has held a stakeholders’ engagement meeting aimed at enhancing coordination, collaboration and efficiency within Ghana’s adoption system.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening adoption processes in line with national laws and international frameworks. She underscored the importance of safeguarding the welfare of children through effective inter-agency collaboration.

Describing adoption as a critical child protection intervention, the Minister stressed that the process must be guided by the highest standards of care, integrity and professionalism, with the best interests of the child remaining paramount.

She further reiterated government’s resolve to build the capacity of frontline officers, enhance accountability and transparency, and strengthen adoption systems across the country. Dr. Lartey urged stakeholders to renew their collective responsibility to ensure that every child in Ghana has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, permanent and loving family environment.

The Head of the Central Adoption Authority, Mr. Stephen Tikai Dombo, explained that the engagement was intended to promote structured collaboration, foster consensus-building and deepen stakeholders’ understanding of national adoption laws, policies and procedures.

As part of the meeting, participants received a presentation outlining the roles of key institutions within the adoption process. This was followed by a panel discussion on the theme, “Building Effective Collaboration to Reduce Delays in the Adoption Process,” where representatives shared experiences and proposed practical solutions to address systemic bottlenecks.

The programme also featured a cultural performance by children from the Osu Children’s Home.

In her closing remarks, the Chief Director of MoGCSP and Chairperson of the Central Adoption Board, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, commended stakeholders for their active participation and valuable contributions. She emphasised the need for sustained collaboration, strict adherence to established procedures and collective responsibility in strengthening Ghana’s adoption system while safeguarding the best interests of every child.