Government allocates over GHc38m to support MGCSP activities

Mr Seth Emmanuel Terkper, the Minister of Finance, says government has allocated GH�38,596,470 to support the implementation of activities of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) directed at relieving the vulnerable of social and economic distress. The activities earmarked for the support are expected to enhance entrepreneurial abilities of women, provide social protection to children as well as empower women and the vulnerable to advocate better for their well being. Mr Terkper who made this known during a presentation of the 2013 budget in parliament today said the Ministry will engage the services of Technical Assistants as part of its institutional capacity development initiative under the Capacity Development Mechanism Initiative Project. He added that government would also procure Information Technology equipment under the Capacity Development Mechanism Initiative Project for the Ministry and its Regional Offices. The Ministry, in consultation with stakeholders, would validate the draft National Gender Policy for submission to cabinet and to continue to implement the Gender Responsive Skills and Community Development Project to assess the performance of Ghanaian women micro entrepreneurs and the youth to increase their access to both financial and non-financial services, he said. Mr. Terkper said government will complete the selection for award of scholarships to 466 girls from poor households to pursue technical and vocational education. He added that the Human Trafficking (HT) and Domestic Violence (DV) Secretariats would continue to coordinate the implementation of the Human Trafficking Act and the drafting of the Domestic Violence Legislative Instrument as well as intensify advocacy, sensitization and awareness creation campaigns on HT and DV issues. He said while continuing with the development of the Child Protection Policy, government would also revamp the child helpline and streamline its operations to better help children in times of distress. Government would support the Ministry continue to implement the Ghana National Action Plan 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and also develop a comprehensive capacity programme to support Municipal/Metropolitan and District Assemblies, Civil Society Organisations and the Legislature to formulate, and analyse Gender Responsive budget, said Mr. Terkper.