The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has introduced the Social Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Management Information System (SP MEMIS) in Accra.
This electronic platform, also known as the SP MEMIS Dashboard, is aimed at enhancing the monitoring and reporting of social protection programs, tracking targets, and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of the National Social Protection Policy.
The launch occurred during the Fifth National Social Protection Dialogue Series, focusing on “Enhancing the Wellbeing of Vulnerable Ghanaians through Effective Social Protection Systems.” This two-day event serves as a platform for engaging stakeholders, experts, and the public on critical social protection issues.
Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, Minister of Gender, highlighted the system's significance, stating, “The Dashboard would improve monitoring and reporting on Social Protection performance in the country at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, African Union Level (AU) level and internationally.”
The Ministry has been committed to digitizing all social protection systems to enhance service delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Madam Abudu emphasized the government's dedication to the social protection agenda, citing increased LEAP cash grants, consistent payments, and coverage for over 1.5 million individuals.
She also mentioned the development of a Social Protection Bill, approved by the Cabinet and presented to Parliament for consideration and passage into law.
Dr. David Quaye Ananng, Vice Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, noted the challenges faced by National Social Protection systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the link between social protection and food security.
Ms. Cynthia Nimo Apredu, Social Protection Specialist at the World Bank, stressed the importance of strong systems for effective implementation and tracking of interventions.
She highlighted the need for interoperable systems, contributing to cost-saving and supporting multi-sectoral partnerships.
Ms. Barbara Clemens, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme, discussed the approved 2024-2028 Ghana Country Strategic Planning (CSP) and its relevance in addressing social protection and national priorities.
Mr. Timothy Dolan, Team Lead at Macro-Economic and Trade Section, European Union, emphasized that fostering social protection contributes to ending poverty and hunger, building strong sustainable inclusive communities.
According to the 2022 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey, almost 50% of Ghana's population suffers from a lack of food and nutrition.
