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Social protection bill when passed will protect vulnerable groups – Gender minister affirms
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has assured that the Social Protection Bill, when signed into law, will provide a stronger framework to safeguard the rights and welfare of vulnerable groups across the country.
She gave the assurance when the founder of the Lepers Aid Committee and caretaker of the Weija Leprosarium, Father Andrew Campbell, paid a working visit to her office to explore areas of collaboration in supporting disadvantaged groups.
Father Campbell, who has for decades championed the welfare of persons affected by leprosy and other marginalized groups, called for stronger collaboration to ensure persons with disabilities receive adequate care.
He urged government to expand the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to cover more eligible inmates, thereby extending social protection to a wider group of marginalized individuals.
The discussion highlighted the plight of street children, which the minister said remains a priority for her ministry.
She explained that ongoing collaborations with relevant agencies were aimed at tackling the root causes and providing long-term solutions.
On the request for LEAP expansion, the minister said pragmatic steps were being taken to ensure that all eligible persons are enrolled.
She further noted that the passage of the Social Protection Bill by Parliament, now awaiting Presidential assent, will provide a sustainable legal basis for programmes like LEAP.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama thanks Ghanaians for support after helicopter crash tragedy
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government have expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians and the international community for the support shown following the helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Monday, the President said the nation was moved by the outpouring of condolences, solidarity, and practical assistance offered during the period of mourning.
He noted that the sympathy messages, attendance at the state funeral, and acts of kindness towards the bereaved families brought comfort in a difficult time.
The statement commended individuals, security personnel, and corporate organisations that worked to ensure that the victims were given what it described as a “dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial.”
“As we return to the duties of resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want, let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
The President in the statement prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Following the conclusion of the state funeral and the burial of all eight victims, the Chief of Staff has directed that flags at public buildings, which had been flown at half-mast in mourning, be restored to full mast with immediate effect.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama grants 998 prisoners amnesty
President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country.
The gesture is upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in Accra yesterday said the number is out of a total of 1,014 recommended.
Per the statement, 87 persons who were sentenced to death will now be commuted to life imprisonment whiles 51 prisoners who were on life sentence will now have to serve 20 years.
First time offenders to be granted pardon are 787, seriously ill, 33, over 70 years irrespective of offence 36, nursing mothers, 2 and petitions, 2.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
