President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency in the Greater Accra Region to head the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. 

For a ministry plagued by controversy and underperformance during the previous administration, her appointment is expected to restore public confidence.

Background of Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey is a seasoned legislator and development expert with over 20 years of experience managing projects in governance, health, education, and women's rights.

As the Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency, she serves on key parliamentary committees, shaping national policy and advancing gender and community-focused initiatives.

With a Ph.D. in African Studies, Dr. Lartey has held leadership roles such as General Secretary of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) and Executive Director of the Global Initiative on Rights & Development (GIRD), demonstrating expertise in leadership, advocacy, and grassroots empowerment.

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey was born on 16 April 1976 in Krowor, Greater Accra Region.

Agnes Naa Momo Lartey is a distinguished politician and advocate for social justice, best known for her grassroots mobilisation and commitment to championing women’s and children’s rights. 

Naa Momo began her political career in 2000, serving as an Assemblywoman and later as the Presiding Member of the Krowor Municipal Assembly.

In 2016, she contested the parliamentary seat for Krowor on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) but lost to Elizabeth Afoley Quaye of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

She has been a Member of Parliament since 2021, where her focus has included initiatives to empower women, improve access to quality education, and support vulnerable groups.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has faced significant challenges in recent years. Under the previous administration, the ministry was engulfed in controversy, particularly regarding allegations of corruption and inefficiency under former Minister Sarah Adwoa Safo.

  The ministry also came under fire for its inability to address pressing social issues, such as rising cases of child trafficking, domestic violence, and inadequate support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The prolonged absence of Adwoa Safo from her duties, coupled with controversies surrounding her performance, led to a supposed leadership vacuum.

This weakened public confidence in the ministry and raised concerns about its capacity to fulfil its mandate.

President Mahama’s decision to appoint Naa Momo Lartey is likely an effort to overhaul the ministry and chart a new course. The President likely sees her local governance experience and resilience as essential qualities for a ministry in need of strong, focused leadership.

During his campaign, President Mahama highlighted social protection as a cornerstone of his agenda, pledging to strengthen the ministry’s capacity to address issues affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups.

The ministry’s challenges are deeply entrenched, and her success will depend on her ability to drive meaningful reforms and foster collaboration among stakeholders and hopefully mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.