UNICEF Ghana has urged the government to set aside a dedicated line for child protection in the 2027 budget, arguing that current allocations are fragmented and largely absorbed by compensation payments, leaving little for essential goods and services.
During the JoyNews SOS Children’s Villages Dialogue on Thursday, September 17, UNICEF Ghana Social Policy Specialist Kwesi Asante proposed either ring‑fencing child protection funding through the District Assemblies Common Fund or creating a dedicated core budget line. He said such measures would guarantee adequate resources for local child protection services and interventions.
Asante noted that while nominal allocations to child protection have risen year‑on‑year, a significant proportion is being diverted to compensation, leaving limited funds for operational needs. He warned that this shortfall is affecting the budgets of agencies implementing child protection programmes.
“Within this fiscal austerity period, let’s protect the social sector financing; let’s protect child protection financing within this period,” Asante said, urging the government to safeguard social sector financing despite current fiscal constraints.
Beyond funding, the specialist highlighted a critical shortage of social welfare personnel. He said only about 49 percent of the optimal workforce is currently in place, creating a 51 percent gap that strains existing staff and limits their capacity to manage child protection cases effectively.
He concluded that sustained financing, coupled with efforts to strengthen the social welfare workforce, is essential to improving the delivery of child protection services and supporting vulnerable children.
