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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.
News
GoldBod Taskforce Cracks Down on 10 Chinese gold smugglers in Western Region
In a bold move against illegal gold trading, the Ghana GoldBod Taskforce has made headlines by executing a significant operation in Asankragua, a town in the Western region of Ghana.
The regulatory body apprehended ten Chinese nationals suspected of smuggling gold, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against illicit trade and resource exploitation in the country.
The operation was a meticulous sting, showcasing the commitment and precision of the GoldBod Taskforce.
In all, authorities seized an impressive 1.3 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately GHC1.4 million along with GHC1.3 million in cash and a selection of casino cards.
The materials recovered suggest a potential linkage to organized crime and money laundering activities, raising alarms about the depth of illegal operations within Ghana’s gold industry.
Addressing the media shortly after the bust, Sammy Gyamfi (Esq.), the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, expressed the board’s dedication to enforcing the GoldBod Act 1140.
According to him, this critical legislation explicitly prohibits foreigners from engaging in local gold trading, a measure designed to protect Ghanaian miners and bolster the economy.
The CEO emphasized the importance of upholding the law to safeguard the nation’s resources from exploitation.
“Today marks a significant step in our fight against illegal gold trading,” Gyamfi asserted. We will not tolerate any individual or group that seeks to undermine our laws and exploit our resources. The GoldBod Taskforce is here to protect our gold from illegal exploitation, and we will hold accountable anyone who bypasses our regulations,” he said.
He added that this operation signifies a profound shift in Ghana’s stance on illegal gold trading, which has long threatened the nation’s wealth and the livelihoods of countless local miners and businesses.
“The arrest of the Chinese nationals also sends a clear message: the era of unchecked smuggling is coming to an end,” he concluded.
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Prof. Dodoo named ARSO President Emeritus
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has unanimously conferred Professor Alex Dodoo with the honorary title of President Emeritus following resolutions by both its executive council and general assembly.
The decision, which was taken during the 31st General Assembly of ARSO in Zanzibar, Tanzania, last Friday, recognised Prof. Dodoo’s exceptional leadership in advancing continental standards for trade, safety and sustainable development.
The resolution ensured his continued advisory role in the strategic direction of ARSO while mentoring future standardisation leaders across Africa.
The Secretary-General of ARSO, Dr Hemogene Nsengimana, said the title of President Emeritus was reserved for leaders whose impact transcended their tenure, reflecting lifelong dedication to their field.
Excellence
As immediate past ARSO President and Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Dodoo spearheaded the creation of critical structures within ARSO and influenced harmonisation initiatives supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Professor Dodoo, an expert in pharmaceuticals, public health, and standards regulation, has played a pivotal role in shaping the standardisation landscape of Africa.
Under his leadership, ARSO saw effective collaboration among member states culminating in the general assembly this year, and bringing together a record 34 countries, the highest in the history of the organisation.
The advocacy of Professor Dodoo for “One Standard, One Test, One Acceptance” across Africa has been instrumental in reducing technical barriers to trade and fostering economic integration.
In his new role, Professor Dodoo would continue to provide strategic guidance to ARSO, mentor emerging leaders in standardisation, and champion the voice of Africa in global standards bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Professor Dodoo, in his acceptance remark, said, “This honour is not just a personal milestone but shows the collective efforts of all stakeholders working toward a standardised, competitive, and quality-driven Africa.”
He said, “Our journey is far from over, and I remain committed to the vision of an Africa where standards fuel prosperity.”
As President Emeritus, Professor Dodoo is expected to focus on critical areas such as strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure, advocating for standards in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital economies and bridging the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers in standardisation.
Competence
The Executive Director of the Standards Division at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, said Prof. Dodoo had contributed towards the leadership of the ARSO Council in driving strategy, governance, “reviewing our laws and statutes and ensuring their implementation”.
“I hope he will still serve the needs and aspirations of ARSO in his new role,” he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Private sector leaders who attended the event also lauded Professor Dodoo’s efforts to align African standards with global best practices.
The Regional Director of COTECNA, a key partner in the continental standards community, Antoine Anne, for his part, said the appointment of Professor Dodoo reaffirmed the commitment of the African continent to excellence.
