Gender Minister calls for stronger financing, accountability to improve lives of Africa’s children

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, has urged African countries to provide greater financial support, utilize dependable data, and enhance accountability to ensure their promises for children's well-being are fulfilled. At the State of Africa's Children Report 2026 launch in New York, Dr Lartey spoke on behalf of President John Mahama.

The inaugural report evaluates the status of children in Africa, focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and their effects on health, education, protection, and development.

Dr Lartey emphasized the significance of clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene, stating that they are essential to children's overall well-being and dignity. She highlighted that women and girls continue to face an unfair share of inadequate access to water and sanitation, making it a crucial aspect of Africa's broader gender and development agenda.

The Ghanaian Minister showcased the country's Revolving Fund for Sanitation, a prime example of a locally devised financing solution for sanitation, as detailed in the report.

Dr Lartey advocated for the implementation of evidence-based interventions to tackle the difficulties faced by children and communities across the continent. In her role as Ghana's representative and African Union Champion for Gender and Development, she reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to implementing gender-responsive child development planning.

Additionally, she pledged Ghana's assistance in safeguarding girls' right to education, enhancing water and sanitation facilities, reinforcing social protection, and investing in the active participation of adolescent girls as developers of their communities.