By Hannah Awadzi
Accra, May 26, GNA – Ms Eugenia Ayagiba, Women’s Rights and Campaign Manager at ActionAid Ghana, has called for a national orientation on the care economy to promote greater awareness and investment in the sector.
She said care work was fundamental to the functioning of the economy, yet Ghana lacked a comprehensive policy framework to guide it, resulting in exploitation of both caregivers and care recipients.
Ms Ayagiba made the call when she participated in a public forum on the gender analysis of the 2026 National Budget.
The forum, organised by the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), examined the budget through the lens of a gender-equitable care economy. It also assessed the gendered impact of policy interventions and tax projections.
Dr Faustina Obeng Adomaa, a social researcher, called for increased and prioritised budgetary allocation to the care sector, particularly for expanded childcare services and support for children with disabilities.
She noted that the care economy suffered from structural undervaluation despite its critical role in society.
“Care is a public good and must be given more attention,” Dr Obeng Adomaa said.
She pointed out that available research showed that mothers of children with disabilities bore the greatest care burden in Ghana.
“Even if mothers have the time, they may not have all the skills required. Trained caregivers are needed to help share the responsibility,” she added.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Hannah Awadzi