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Increase LEAP stipends—Advocate of the Aged Welfare pleads

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The government has been urged to increase stipends given to beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) especially the aged, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This, in the view of Advocates of the Aged Welfare, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), would go a long way to aid the elderly to meet their daily needs especially during these trying times.

According to the Executive Director of the NGO, Richard Ofori, the support received by the aged had declined because their dependents were grappling with the economic impact of COVID-19, including job losses.

In an interview with the Ghanaian Times yesterday, he said; “The socio-economic effect of the COVID-19 will eventually reduce the number of aged to death if nothing is immediately done to mitigate the impact.”

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He was speaking on the backdrop of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which is being marked today across the world on the theme “The impact of COVID-19 on violence, abuse and neglect of elderly persons.”

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has designated June 15 to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders and seek support to make their lives more comfortable.

The LEAP stipends, introduced in 2008, is given to the extremely poor including aged who are 65 years and above without any form of support, severely disabled without productive capacity and orphaned and vulnerable children.

As of last year, a household of a beneficiary was paid GH¢64 every two months, households of two, three and four beneficiaries were paid GH¢74, 83 and GH¢106, respectively every two months.

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This, according Mr Ofori, was not sufficient in the prevailing times.

On abuse, he said the WHO estimated that one out of the six people aged 60 and above suffered abuse, adding that a survey conducted by his NGO in 2009 showed that seven out of 10 aged people in Ghana suffered same fate including neglect.

He said the abuse was still ongoing with many aged tagged as witches and wizards, a situation which, was affecting the elderly people emotionally and thus urged the public to report incidences of aged abuse to the police.

Mr Ofori appealed to the government to dedicate some health facilities as specialist hospitals for the aged because most of them were afraid to go for their routine check-ups due to the fear of contracting the virus.

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Source: Ghanaian Times

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NPP stages massive “Democracy Under Attack” Demo In Accra

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.

The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.

Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.

Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.

The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.

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He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.

At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.

However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.

Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.

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“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.

According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”

Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.

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“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.

One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.

The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.

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Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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GACL introduces hotline and “mystery shopping” to fight airport extortion

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The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.

The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.

According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.

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GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.

The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.

The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.

GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.

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The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.

It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.

GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.

The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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