News
AJSHTNP, Dangana Foundation present food items, cash to Rising Star Home
The AJS Help The Needy Project, in partnership with the Dangana Foundation, has made a meaningful contribution to the Rising Star Home.
The initiative, called ‘Smiles for the Future,’ aims to instill a sense of hope and love in these children, reminding them of their value in society.
The items donated included gari, sugar, beans, stationery, water, sardines, tomato paste, a box of spaghetti, packs of drinks, biscuits, ladies’ underwear, and a cash donation of GH¢500.
Additionally, some donors provided gallons of liquid soap and used clothes.
Mrs Anita Opoku-Appiah, the founder of AJS Help The Needy Project, highlighted the importance of helping those in need, especially during festive seasons like Christmas.
She pointed out that while many people are focused on their own families and friends during this time, it was essential to remember the orphans and those who are less fortunate.
She stated, “During seasons like this, people focus on what to get for their families and friends forgetting there are people out there who due to circumstances don’t have families to plan their Christmas or buy them all the fancy things Christmas brings.”
She encouraged the public to follow suit and extend kindness and support to those in need, adding that AJHTNP will continue to extend helping a hand to the less fortunate in society.
Dr Mrs Connie De Jong, one of the board members of the foundation, reiterated the importance of community support in helping the less privileged in society. She encouraged the children at the home to believe in themselves and strive for the best in their endeavors.
The General Manager of Dangana Foundation, Mr George Bessa-Simons, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasising that the smiles created through the initiative will be remembered for years to come.
He shared encouraging words with the children, reminding them that being in an orphanage does not mean they cannot pursue their dreams of becoming great and useful members of society.
He stated, “You won’t be here as orphans forever; you will definitely grow into adulthood and leave here to face the world on your own, and that’s why Dangana has come to give you hope, to aid you smile into the future.”
Furthermore, he urged the caregivers at the orphanage to avoid using negative language with the children, as such words can lead to issues like depression and anxiety, ultimately affecting their well-being.
The collaboration between AJS Help The Needy Project and Dangana Foundation was a heartfelt effort to bring joy to the children at the Rising Star Home, ensuring they have reasons to smile and feel hopeful about the future.
News
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Addresses Parliament.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur has disclosed that in 2021, Ghana was issued a yellow card by the European Union after being identified as a non-compliant third country in the fight against illegal fishing activities.
According to the Minister, the government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has engaged the European Union(EU) through the Ghana European Union dialogue, to address the concerns raised by the European Union(EU).
The engagement included the implementation of an action plan, periodic update report and validation exercises.
“We are happy to report that Ghana has made significant progress in resolving key concerns, primarily related to lapses in the regulatory framework, fisheries enforcement, and traceability,” she stated.
Also, she emphasized that a review of pending actions indicates that the enactment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Bill, along with its accompanying regulations, remains critical to enhancing fisheries governance in Ghana.
She further informed the House that the Ministry has already submitted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Bill, 2025, to the House.
The bill was later referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Cocoa Affairs for consideration.
The Minister made this statement in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua, Seth Osei-Akoto, regarding the immediate measures the ministry is implementing to sanitize Ghana’s fishing sector in the light of the European Union’s warning that Ghana could face a potential red card.
News
Gender Minister assesses leap cash grand payment
The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has undertaken a monitoring visit to payment centers in the Greater Accra Region to observe the ongoing disbursement of cash grants under the 96th cycle of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme.
Her visit underscores the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the effective delivery of social protection interventions.
A total of 269 beneficiaries from communities such as Gbawe, Mandela, New Weija, Tetegu, Weija Leprosarium, Weija, and Wiaboman converged at the Weija Leprosarium to access their LEAP cash grants.
This monitoring exercise aligns with the Minister’s pledge to oversee the nationwide disbursement of the 96th LEAP payment cycle.
During her visit, she interacted with both beneficiaries and payment agents to assess the efficiency of the process and address any emerging challenges.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey announced that the Government, through the Ministry, has commenced the indexation of the LEAP cash grant against inflation—a policy reform aimed at preserving the real value of the grant and cushioning poor households against economic shocks.
The revised LEAP grant amounts are as follows:
One-member household: increased from GH₵256 to GH₵320.00
Two-member household: increased from GH₵304 to GH₵380.00
Three-member household: increased from GH₵352 to GH₵440.00
Four or more-member household: increased from GH₵424 to GH₵530.00
Addressing the media, the Minister reiterated that the LEAP Programme provides vital financial support to extremely poor households with vulnerable individuals—including orphans and vulnerable children, persons with severe disabilities, elderly individuals aged 65 and above, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers with infants under one year.
She emphasized that the Government of H.E. John Dramani Mahama is determined to reduce the cost of living by making the right and appropriate decisions to stimulate economic growth and development for all.
“The Government is taking measures to enhance the real value of the LEAP cash grant and its impact on key development indicators such as nutrition, health, schooling, productive investment, and social inclusion,” she stated.
The Minister encouraged beneficiaries to prioritize critical needs such as household nutrition, children’s education, and income-generating activities. While LEAP offers short-term financial relief, she urged them to also work toward long-term financial stability.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection interventions, the Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable households across the country.
The LEAP Programme, a flagship initiative under the Ministry, provides bi-monthly cash grants to extremely poor households to support their essential needs. The ongoing 96th payment cycle aims to reach thousands of beneficiaries nationwide.
The Minister’s monitoring visit forms part of a nationwide exercise to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive their cash grants in a timely and efficient manner.
