Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged beneficiaries of social protection programmes to reject bribery, fraud and political interference in accessing government support.
She said citizens must provide accurate information when applying for assistance and use established feedback and complaint channels to raise concerns.
Speaking at the launch of the Social Protection Act, 2025, and the Social Protection Regulations and Affirmative Action Regulations in Accra, the Vice President said the success of the new legal framework would ultimately be measured by its impact on vulnerable households and individuals.
“The task now, ladies and gentlemen, is to make that framework translate into reliable support for the people for whom they are intended,” she said.
The Social Protection Act provides a legal foundation for a coordinated national system, including social assistance and social insurance, emergency assistance, productive and financial inclusion, institutional arrangements and a Social Protection Fund.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang said the new framework must also address gaps in coverage, coordination and financing that have limited the reach of social protection interventions.
She said public institutions have a responsibility to improve targeting and accountability to ensure resources are used for their intended purpose.
“For the taxpayer, it reinforces our responsibility to reduce duplication, improve targeting, and ensure that public resources reach the people for whom they are intended,” she said.
The Vice President urged citizens who benefit from social protection programmes to also play their part by providing truthful information and rejecting practices that undermine the system.
“Citizens must provide accurate information when applying for support, use the established feedback channels, and reject fraud and political interference,” she said.
She said a reliable social protection system must also be able to respond to economic pressures, climate-related events, displacement, disability and other risks that can undermine livelihoods.
The Vice President further addressed the implementation of the Affirmative Action law, urging institutions covered by the legislation to take practical steps towards achieving gender equity.
“A qualified woman must find a fair opportunity in decisions and institutions,” she said.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang said statements of support for gender equity must be matched with concrete action and measurable progress.
“Statements of support must be followed by action,” she added.
She called on public institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to take responsibility for implementing the new framework and ensuring that the laws deliver tangible benefits.
“When we all embrace this shared responsibility, legislation will become the means through which dignity is protected, opportunities are expanded, and public trust is strengthened,” the Vice President said.
She subsequently officially launched the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), the Social Protection Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2321), and the Affirmative Action Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2522).
