Widows, the aged and vulnerable persons in Akyem Manso, a rural community in the Asene-Manso-Akroso District of the Eastern Region, have made a heartfelt appeal to the government to enroll them in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program.
According to the group, many of them are grappling with severe poverty, limited social support and a lack of access to essential services.
They believe inclusion in the LEAP program will provide much-needed relief and restore dignity to their lives.
The LEAP program, introduced by the Ghanaian government in 2008, provides cash grants to extremely poor households, including orphans, the elderly, and persons with severe disabilities.
Despite this intervention, several vulnerable individuals in Akyem Manso remain without support, making life increasingly difficult.
The plight of these individuals was brought to light during a donation exercise led by Okukudurofo Amoahwusi I, Ekuonahemaa of Akyem Manso.
The queen mother, in a show of compassion, distributed cash, food items, and clothing to widows and the elderly in the community.
Speaking during the event, Okukudurofo Amoahwusi I emphasized the urgent need for support.
“These women and aged individuals have contributed to society, yet they live in unbearable conditions. The LEAP program is meant for people like them, and I humbly appeal to the government to extend this lifeline to my people,” she said.
She further urged the public to show kindness and respect to widows, condemning the practice where some families seize the properties of widows after their spouses pass away.
“Widows are already burdened with grief; let us not add to their pain by taking away their means of survival. Let’s protect their rights and dignity,” she pleaded.
The community members echoed her sentiments, expressing hope that the government would hear their plea and extend the LEAP program to cover the vulnerable in Akyem Manso.