She made this commitment during an engagement with representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday, February 6, 2025.

The Gender Minister outlined key priorities, including strengthening social protection policies and reforming the country’s school feeding programme.

Her commitment aligns with the broader vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who has emphasized the need for sustainable and transparent reforms in these sectors.

The school feeding programme has faced persistent criticism over politicization, food shortages, and financial constraints.

Acknowledging these concerns, the minister reassured stakeholders of the government’s goal to improve efficiency and expand coverage to better support vulnerable communities.

“We still have more room for improvement. There are a lot of policies left hanging that need to be finalized, and we need the help of NGOs and CSOs to address these challenges at the grassroots level,” she stated.

One of the major changes proposed is the decentralization of the school feeding programme, aimed at ensuring quality control and accountability.

“If you cannot eat it yourself, don’t feed it to others—that is the task I am here to achieve,” Hon. Lartey emphasized, adding that the initiative seeks to provide quality food while promoting local food sourcing.

The Krowor MP has expressed readiness to collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders to advocate for an extension of the current three-month maternity leave.

She made this assurance when she appeared before the Appointments Committee in Parliament on Wednesday.

The nominee emphasized that an extension would ensure the well-being of mothers and their newborn babies.

“It is important for women to have a prolonged leave period, not only to take care of the children but also to properly heal. As an employer, I will encourage you that if you even have the opportunity to grant six months of leave, please do that,” she said.

She also announced plans for a potential paternity leave policy to ensure equity in caregiving roles.

“I will sit with all stakeholders, including CSOs who are deeply involved, and I will join the many advocates to look at what is best and ensure that we push it. If the people of Ghana agree to it, then I will be the number one champion,” she declared.

Meanwhile, ahead of the 2024 election, President John Mahama promised a one-month maternity leave extension if he wins. He also pledged a week-long paternity leave for fathers, enabling them to assist mothers during this crucial period.

Currently, mothers are entitled to three months of leave after birth, but Mr. Mahama has argued that it is insufficient for the early stages of parenting.

Following his overwhelming victory on December 7, the President has yet to announce plans for the policy.

Her assurance follows rising concerns about unpaid arrears and the declining quality of meals provided to schoolchildren.

Speaking during her vetting by the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, Naa Momo promised to tackle these challenges and ensure the program’s effective implementation.

“Our manifesto clearly outlines our goal to resolve the bottlenecks in school feeding and capitation grants. We even plan to extend the program to private schools,” she revealed.

Naa Momo stated that while payments for approximately 40 days have been made, arrears for 31 days remain outstanding.

She expressed her commitment to resolving these issues promptly.

The Minister-designate highlighted her collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement to achieve sustainable solutions.

“One of my strengths is fostering dialogue with all involved to achieve lasting outcomes. With payments already initiated, I am confident that the president is committed to not only sustaining the program but also ensuring the quality of food is upheld,” she affirmed.

Naa Momo reiterated her dedication to improving the program’s efficiency and ensuring that the nutritional needs of schoolchildren are met.

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Lartey received 39,198 votes out of 62,536 valid votes cast, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Emmanuel Laryea Odai, who garnered 23,116 votes.

Celebrations erupted across the constituency, with jubilant supporters taking to the streets, causing a traffic gridlock on the Accra-Tema Beach Road as they marked Lartey’s victory.

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