At BRAC Ghana’s launch of its social development programmes in Accra on 13 May 2026, high-level stakeholders — including government ministers, traditional authorities, embassies, INGOs, and private sector representatives — gathered to welcome the accomplished development organisation and commit to supporting efforts to empower the most vulnerable adolescent girls and young women, as well as their communities.
In her keynote address at the launch event, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Dr. Marian W. A. Kpakpah, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, welcomed the launch of BRAC Ghana’s social development programmes and aligned with BRAC’s mission:
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the official launch of BRAC Ghana comes at an important moment in our national development journey. Ghana is working to build a society where every individual, regardless of sex, age, disability, social status or geographical location, has the opportunity to live in dignity and realise their full potential.”
“Today’s launch symbolises hope, collaboration and a renewed commitment to the vulnerable and marginalised members of our society. I am therefore confident that, through strong collaboration between government, BRAC Ghana, civil society organisations, development partners and communities, we can deepen social inclusion, expand opportunities and improve livelihoods for countless Ghanaians,” Dr. Marian W. A. Kpakpah added.
Since its inception in Bangladesh more than 50 years ago, BRAC has partnered with more than 145 million people across Africa and Asia – from educating more than 15 million children, to extending financial services to over 10 million borrowers through microfinance, to supporting more than nine million people to escape extreme poverty. In Ghana, BRAC will continue its global work to create the space and support systems that enable women to lead their own journeys and, in doing so, transform their communities.
BRAC launched its microfinance institution, BRAC Ghana Savings and Loans Limited, an institution regulated by the Bank of Ghana, in February 2024. Currently operating 16 branch offices across four regions of Ghana, the institution has reached over 26,500 clients, 97% of whom are women, and has disbursed GHS 167 million (USD 15 million) to over 14,000 borrowers since inception. The institution has also reached over 10,000 clients with financial, digital and life skills training, which is integrated into its service delivery.
A moment from a live performance at the launching event
Also present at the launching event, BRAC’s regional director for Africa, Anne Mutta, emphasised that Ghanaian women are already leading change in their homes, farms, markets, and communities.
“Today, BRAC begins a new chapter in a country rich with innovation, the indomitable spirit of its young people, and community strength. At BRAC, we have long believed that women are the most important catalysts of change. When women are given opportunities, entire communities move forward. When women have access to resources, they invest in their families and build stronger local economies.”
In her opening speech, BRAC Ghana’s country director for social development programmes, Jemilatu Mashood, highlighted how poverty, inequality, youth unemployment, and social vulnerability still affect millions of lives despite Ghana’s strong economic potential and steady growth.
“Young people struggle to transition into decent work. Women and girls continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity, safety, and economic inclusion. Vulnerable communities feel the impacts of climate stress, economic shocks, and fragile livelihoods.”
But BRAC’s newest country director remains steadfast in her conviction that empowerment is possible.
“At BRAC, we know that poverty and inequality are not inevitable. They are human-made, and together, they can be unmade. The question before us is not whether change is possible, but how fast we can make it happen, and how well we can do it together.”
Attendees at the launching event
BRAC Ghana is implementing BRAC’s flagship programme, Accelerating Impact for Young Women, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The programme works with families, communities, and local actors to create a more supportive environment that encourages positive social and behavioural change for girls and young women, and aims to reach more than 65,000 adolescent girls and young women in Ghana by 2033.
The Accelerating Impact for Young Women programme is an integral part of the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people across the continent to access dignified and fulfilling work.
BRAC currently operates in 16 locations across Ghana, but plans to expand its presence across much of the country in the coming years.
