Leave No One Behind”: Gender Ministry Chief Director Dr. Marian Kpakpah Calls for Stronger Partnerships at BRAC Ghana Launch

Story by Fada Amakye

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Dr. Marian W. A. Kpakpah, has called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners to fight poverty and advance gender equality in Ghana.

Speaking at the official launch of BRAC Ghana on behalf of the sector minister, Dr. Kpakpah said the event was “more than a ceremonial gathering” and represented a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to social justice, human dignity, and inclusive development.

“This occasion is a powerful reminder that the fight against poverty and vulnerability cannot be won by governments alone. It requires strong partnerships between the state, civil society organizations, development partners, communities, and the private sector,” she said.

Dr. Kpakpah congratulated BRAC International and BRAC Ghana on expanding their presence in the country, noting the organization’s reputation for innovative, community-based approaches to poverty reduction and social empowerment across Africa and Asia.

She stressed that the ministry’s mandate aligns closely with BRAC’s work in livelihoods, education, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, health, youth development, and resilience building.

At the heart of our work is a simple but profound principle: development must leave no one behind,” Dr. Kpakpah said. “This principle is reflected in Ghana’s constitutional provisions, our national development frameworks, and laws such as the Affirmative Action Act, Domestic Violence Act, Children’s Act, Persons with Disability Act, and the Human Trafficking Act.

She added that while Ghana has legal and policy frameworks including the National Gender Policy, National Social Protection Policy, Child and Family Welfare Policy, and National Aging Policy, these must be translated into practical interventions that reach the most vulnerable.

“Laws and policies alone are not transforming lives unless they reach people in communities, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the unemployed, the youth, and households trapped in intergenerational poverty,” she said.

Dr. Kpakpah highlighted existing government programs such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), Ghana School Feeding Programme, National Health Insurance Scheme exemptions, and child protection services, noting that partnerships with organizations like BRAC are indispensable to expanding their impact.

She expressed the ministry’s readiness to work with BRAC Ghana to strengthen social protection and ensure the poorest and most vulnerable are included in national development.