The government has earmarked GH¢400,000 for the refurbishment of the Bekwai Central Destitute Infirmary in the Ashanti Region, Ms Dakoa Newman, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, has announced.
“The good part is that the government has provided an amount of money to ensure that renovations are done to upgrade the state of this destitute infirmary,” she stated, when she inspected the facility as part of her two-day working visit to the Ashanti Region.
After inspecting facilities at the Infirmary which currently houses 41 inmates, the Minister was certain that there was an urgent need to give the place a facelift to bring some comfort to inmates who are mostly aged and persons with disabilities.
“We identified some challenges that has to do with infrastructure, basic needs as well as fencing the facility to protect our aged and destitute here which we are going to work on,” the Minister assured.
She said a technical team from the Department of Social Welfare would immediately visit the facility to assess the situation and advise how the renovation should be done.
Ms Newman further gave the assurance that her Ministry would make a case for additional funding for the construction of a wall to protect the inmates and the lands of the infirmary.
Prior to the Minister’s visit to the Bekwai Central Destitute Infirmary, she monitored the payments of beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) at Atonsu and Sabin Akrofuom.
Over 25,000 households in the Ashanti Region are currently benefiting from the LEAP programme, which had seen a 100 per cent increase within one year.
The Minister observed the process for payments and interacted with the beneficiaries at both centers to ensure they receive the right amounts they were entitled to.
She expressed satisfaction about the process and assured the beneficiaries of government’s commitment to protect the aged and vulnerable in society.
“The monitoring is largely successful, and we are happy to know that the people appreciate the 100 per cent increase which is making a big difference in their lives,” she noted.
She further stated that, “The government is committed to continue to ensure that these programmes are sustained to impact the lives of the vulnerable in Ghana.”
The LEAP programme, she argued, had been successful, saying that it had impacted the lives of the extreme poor across the country.
Rev. Dr. Mrs. Comfort Asare, Acting Director, Department of Social Welfare, underlined the need for increased funding to cater for the inmates, while stressing the urgency to upgrade the facility.
She said most of the caregivers at the facility were volunteers and made a case for them to be recruited to get the best out of them in terms of their commitment to duty.
Latest Stories
-
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
13 mins -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
23 mins -
NPP will ensure a safer cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
31 mins -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
32 mins -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
38 mins -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
48 mins -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
1 hour -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
1 hour -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
1 hour -
Livestream: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
1 hour -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
2 hours -
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
2 hours -
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
2 hours -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
2 hours -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
2 hours