The Department of Community Development participated in a three-day strategic planning retreat organised by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) in partnership with UNICEF. The retreat formed part of a broader national effort to strengthen coordination, improve policy alignment, and enhance the delivery of social protection and community-based services across the country.

The programme, which took place at the Royal Senchi Hotel Resort from Monday, 26th to Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, development partners, and relevant agencies. The retreat was also graced by the Vice President of the Republic, H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, whose presence underscored the Government’s commitment to advancing inclusive development and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable groups.

Over the course of the three days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions, technical sessions, and group work focused on addressing pressing social challenges. Key thematic areas included child marriage and unions, adolescent pregnancy, children not in education, employment or training (NEET), and child labour. Participants reviewed existing strategies, assessed implementation gaps, and explored practical, evidence-based solutions to improve outcomes at national, regional, and community levels.

The retreat highlighted the importance of a coordinated and integrated approach to social service delivery. Emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration among policy formulators, financiers, and implementers to ensure that interventions are well-resourced, effectively monitored, and responsive to the needs of communities. Stakeholders acknowledged that sustainable progress requires collective ownership, strong institutional commitment, and continuous engagement with local communities.

Representing the Department of Community Development were the National Director, Mr. Stephen Blay, and the Eastern Regional Director, Mrs. Vera Allotey. Mr. Blay actively contributed to deliberations as a member of the Child Marriage/Union and Adolescent Pregnancy Working Team, while Mrs. Allotey served on the NEET and Child Labour Working Team. Their participation ensured that the Department’s practical field experience and community-level insights informed the discussions and strategic recommendations.

The retreat concluded with a renewed call for total commitment from all stakeholders towards the provision of integrated social services for communities, with particular focus on the protection and empowerment of children and adolescents. The Department of Community Development remains steadfast in its mandate to promote social welfare and community empowerment, and will continue to collaborate with partners to translate the outcomes of the retreat into impactful programmes nationwide.