Social Protection Ministry won't reduce poverty - Alexis Derry

A member of the Ghana Association of Social Workers (GASOW), Alexis Derry, says the creation of Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry is not the solutions to reduce poverty.

Mr. Derry stated that though the creation of the ministry was aimed at protecting the vulnerable in society and reducing poverty, it is not the solution to the nation’s high poverty rate.

He was commenting on the 2012 Ghana Social Development Outlook report released by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research.

According to the report, the gap between the poor and the rich in the country is currently at 25% percent.

In this regard, Mr. Derry on Adom FM’s political discussion programme Dea Mehunu Monday described Ghana as ‘joking’ as in its effort to tackle poverty.

The sociologist bemoaned how government has ignored several social intervention policies he claims would provide long term relieve to the poor and yet proposes none to avert the situation.

"Even if a ministry should be created, it should be a ministry of family and social development which will implement the social protection policies without political considerations," he stated.

Mr Derry believes that the real solution will be realigning all social protection programs and policies and to ensure consistent release of funds for these programs.