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0 President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Member of Parliament for Krowor, 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.
A closer look at Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
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).
Undeterred, Naa Momo ran again in the 2020 general election and won decisively, polling 41,850 votes, which represented 55.8% of the total votes cast. She retained the seat during the 2024 Parliamentary Elections with 62.68% of total valid votes cast.
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.
Restoring trust in a troubled ministry: Why Mahama chose her
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.
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If approved by Parliament, Naa Momo Lartey will inherit a ministry facing urgent challenges.
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.
The post Who is Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Mahama’s pick for Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection? first appeared on 3News.
