The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has paid a working visit to the 31st December Women’s Early Childhood Day Care Centre at the Makola Market in Accra to assess operations and interact with children, caregivers, and market women.
The visit formed part of efforts to evaluate early childhood care services within market environments and to engage stakeholders on challenges affecting the welfare of children whose mothers work in the informal sector.
During the visit, Dr Lartey met with the management of the centre to gain firsthand insight into operational issues, particularly those relating to early childhood care and development. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child protection and stressed the importance of providing safe, nurturing spaces for children of women working in markets.
The Queen Mother of the Greater Accra Market Women Association welcomed the Minister and expressed appreciation for the visit. She highlighted the critical role market-based day care centres play in supporting working mothers and appealed for continued government support to improve infrastructure and caregiving resources.
In a show of support, Dr Lartey donated GH¢10,000 to the Association and the day care centre to assist with the running of the facility. She also presented drinks and biscuits to the children.
The Minister further engaged with several market women to better understand their working conditions and to explore ways government interventions can be strengthened to support women in the informal economy.
As part of the tour, Dr Lartey visited the Makola Clinic to inspect the facility and assess the quality of service delivery. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to enhance child welfare and maternal support systems within market spaces.
Speaking to the media, the Minister explained that the visit was part of follow-up actions after the revision of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy. She noted that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, remains committed to protecting children, particularly during the critical formative years from birth to eight years.
Dr Lartey commended the leadership of the 31st December Day Care Centre for sustaining the initiative despite operational challenges, noting that effective day care systems play a vital role in reducing child abuse and neglect.
She also outlined plans to modernise and sustain market day care centres beyond political transitions, expand infrastructure to meet growing demand, and replicate the model in major markets across the country.
The visit forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy and ensure that children—especially those in market environments—are raised in safe, protective, and supportive settings.
Source: 3news
