A researcher, Dr Faustina Obeng Adomaa, is urging the government to rethink its approach to care work by introducing a publicly funded programme to support caregivers across the country.
Speaking at a policy dialogue organised by the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), Dr Adomaa emphasised that care work—often unpaid and overlooked—plays a critical role in sustaining families and the broader economy.
She proposed the establishment of a structured care worker system, similar to that of community health nurses, complete with certification and professional standards. According to her, such a system would improve the quality of care provided to children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, while also creating employment opportunities.
Dr Adomaa criticised the current framework where care responsibilities are largely treated as private matters, noting that this has led to underinvestment and lack of coordination in the sector. She argued that the absence of a clear national policy has left care workers without proper recognition, protection, or support.
Referencing the 2026 national budget, she pointed out the absence of a dedicated allocation for the care economy, describing it as a missed opportunity to prioritise an essential sector.
She called on policymakers to shift their perspective and treat care work as a strategic economic investment rather than a charitable or informal activity. This, she said, would require a comprehensive policy framework to formalise the sector, ensure decent working conditions, and guarantee quality care services.
Dr Adomaa maintained that investing in care infrastructure would not only promote gender equity but also strengthen Ghana’s social and economic development.
