UNICEF calls for dedicated child protection allocation in 2027 budget

UNICEF has urged Ghana's government to allocate a specific budget for child protection in the 2027 budget plan, emphasizing that current fragmented funding is insufficient to adequately safeguard vulnerable children. Though the government's child protection spending has risen in nominal terms, much of it is directed towards compensation, leaving little for essential goods and services.

At a recent dialogue, UNICEF Ghana's Social Policy Specialist, Kwesi Asante, suggested either designating child protection funding through the District Assemblies Common Fund or creating a specialized budget line. Asante argued this would guarantee adequate resources for sustaining child protection services, especially at the local level, as a large portion of the current budget is consumed by compensation.

The limited funds for goods and services are straining the operational budgets of agencies tasked with implementing child protection measures. He urged the government to protect social sector financing despite fiscal constraints. Moreover, Asante highlighted a critical workforce shortfall, with only about half of the required social welfare personnel currently employed, leaving a significant gap that hampers the ability of frontline workers to manage child protection cases effectively.

He stressed that consistent funding, combined with efforts to bolster the social welfare workforce, would be vital for enhancing child protection services and supporting vulnerable children in Ghana.