By Alex Ababio
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in partnership with the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development-Ghana and the Elma Foundation, has unveiled the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Dashboard.
This innovative and user-friendly tool is designed to enhance programming, advocacy, and decision-making, aiming to improve child development outcomes at both national and sub-national levels.
The initiative is part of the global “Children in All Policies (2030)” program, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and University College London. It is set to provide substantial support and ensure the implementation of Ghana’s ECCD policy.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Madam Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, she described the launch as a “call to action,” encouraging stakeholders such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, educators, and parents to leverage the Dashboard to secure a brighter future for every child in Ghana.
“Let us commit ourselves to maximize the potential of this innovation, so together we create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” she remarked.
The Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the partners, stakeholders, and dedicated teams who contributed to the realization of the Dashboard.
“Together, we are making a transformative impact on the lives of Ghanaian children and creating a future that prioritizes their rights, health, and well-being,” she added.
Dr. Afisah Zakaria, Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in her welcoming address, described the platform as a landmark achievement in Ghana’s efforts to safeguard the welfare and prosperity of children.
“The launch of this Dashboard demonstrates our dedication to enhance child survival and health, promote quality education and learning, protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse, and support families and communities in caring for their children,” she emphasized.
She further noted: “This platform will foster accountability, transparency, and effective resource allocation. It will also facilitate knowledge sharing, best practices, and innovation in childhood care and development.”
Dr. Kwame Sakyi, Director of the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development, explained during a presentation that the Dashboard is a dynamic tool for monitoring, supporting, investing in, and allocating resources effectively for early childhood initiatives across the country.
“It is accessible and easy to use, equipping policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders with reliable data and insights essential for strategic decision-making,” he stated.
He highlighted that the innovation aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, a comprehensive framework centered on the needs, rights, and growth of the nation’s youngest citizens.