LEAP To Complement Poverty Alleviation Strategies - Ofori-Addo

Mr Lawrence Ofori-Addo, National Co-ordinator of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), said the initiative was aimed at complementing poverty alleviation strategies of government. He said “the LEAP is meant to cushion guardians of orphans and the vulnerable to have access to education and healthcare without an excuse of poverty and to empower the old to lead appreciable life styles.” Mr Ofori-Addo said these during the disbursement of funds to 115 beneficiaries of the programme, during the Easter holidays at Jumapo in the New Juaben Municipality. He debunked speculations that the programme was designed to score political points for the New Patriotic Party as the 2008 polls approached. Mr Ofori-Addo said measures had been put in place to prevent abuse of the programme. Nana Kwesi Adjei Boateng, the Municipal Chief Executive, said the disbursement of the fund showed government’s commitment to promoting the wellbeing of the vulnerable and eradicating poverty. He urged Ghanaians to pay their taxes promptly and regularly to enable government sustain the programme. Nana Adjei Boateng called on the beneficiaries to use the assistance to expand their businesses. The beneficiaries were selected from Betom, Zongo, Asokore and Jumapo depending on the criteria set by the organizers of the programme and each received 16 Ghana cedis for March and April.