he people of Nanga community in the Nadowli-Kaleo District have raised their voices in a heartfelt plea to be included in the government's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program.
LEAP, which was established in 2008, aims to provide cash and health insurance to the extremely poor and vulnerable in society. The program specifically targets deprived, vulnerable and excluded individuals and households in Ghana.
The project, which began its payments in 2008, has since brought crucial relief for many across the country, but the residents of Nanga have found themselves on the periphery of this much-needed support.
Despite their eligibility, over 100 community members, including widows, vulnerable individuals, and Persons with Disabilities, have been left out, leading to a palpable sense of frustration in them.
The residents of Nanga story highlights the need for inclusive social services and empowerment for all, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities)."
The Global Goals, target 1.3 specifically states that: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
Underneath the shade of a neem tree, the community members gathered to voice their grievances.
Madam Esi Mwinibang, a 53-year-old resident, expressed her disappointment, saying, "We have been left out of the government support that has reached other communities. It's disheartening to hear about the positive impact of the LEAP program elsewhere, while we struggle to make ends meet without any assistance."
Mr John Kaninge, another resident speaking to Info Radio, mentioned that no single person in the community benefits from the LEAP program.
According to him, the community members, specifically the aged and vulnerable persons, have made several appeals to duty bearers to include them in the program, but that has not been successful.
The affected residents have made a bold declaration, vowing to bar politicians from campaigning in their community during the 2024 general elections unless their concerns are addressed.
They have further articulated their stance, asserting that they will not participate in the elections unless the elderly, widows, and vulnerable community members are enrolled in the LEAP program.
Additionally, promises made by local authorities have not brought about any tangible solutions.
The Assembly member for the area, Esong Gabriel, shared his concerns about the exclusion of the community from the LEAP program, highlighting the appeals made to the district assembly with no positive results.
Modesta Pukunyiem, the Nadowli-Kaleo District Social Welfare Officer, addressed the residents' concerns by explaining that the program initially did not cover all the communities in the district.
She stated that the program was supposed to be assessed every four years based on a survey that will be conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). New members would be enrolled based on the data from the GSS survey. However, due to financial constraints, the assessment has not been conducted for some time.
She added that the GSS plans to conduct the assessment before the 2024 general elections. During this assessment, the community will be captured, and those who qualify will be enrolled in the program.
Ghana, a country known for its strides in poverty reduction, must grapple with the distressing reality that segments of its population are still left longing for the transformative impact of initiatives like LEAP.
The residents of Nanga appealed for a swift and equitable resolution to this pressing issue, one that will pave the way for inclusivity and empowerment for all of Ghana's citizens.
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