The Bamuhene of Teacher Mante, Nana Ogyedom Oheneaku Asamanin, has raised concerns about the selection process for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program beneficiaries in the Ayensuano constituency, specifically in the Teacher Mante community.
He argues that the program’s targeting is flawed and benefits individuals with political connections rather than the truly vulnerable, thereby defeating the purpose of the program.
The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) is a cash transfer programme introduced by the Government of Ghana (GOG) in 2008, for extremely poor and vulnerable households targeted at Orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) or, Persons with severe disability without any productive capacity and
And elderly persons who are 65 years and above.
Between 2015 to 2023, the LEAP Grants paid to beneficiary households bi-monthly are that One Member Household was entitled to GHe64.00, Two Member Households were entitled to GHC76.00, Three Member Households were entitled to GHC88.00 and finally Four and above Member Households were entitled to GHC106.00
However, according to a June 27 press release, the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection announced that LEAP beneficiaries will receive double the amount they received in June 2023, following a delay in payments.
The government allocated GH₵103,251,072.01 to benefit 324,073 households, with 25,715 households already receiving support, representing about 8% of the total number of beneficiary households nationwide
But, the Bamuhene of Teacher Mante, Nana Ogyedom Oheneaku Asamanin, has criticized the LEAP (Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty) program for alleged misallocation of funds and resources.
He claims that the program in Ayensuano, particularly in Teacher Mante, favors individuals with political connections rather than those in genuine need.
“I will praise the government for the LEAP program initiative but there is nothing of that nature to benefit deserving individuals at Ayensuano here. The little that came to Ayensuano constituency was dent with party affiliation, so if you do not belong to that government or party it means you won’t benefit”
He added ‘the program is wrongly targeted in Ayensuano because of the politics involved, abled and well-to-do individuals benefit from the LEAP at the expense of our widows and vulnerable people in the community”
He appealed to stakeholders to Institute strict monitoring mechanisms for the program.
“I want to appeal to the government and stakeholders to monitor how the LEAP program is being implemented in the various districts to ensure that the vulnerable in our communities benefit to help reduce abject poverty in Ghana” He added.
The Assembly Member for Teacher Mante, Amaadi Antwi Edward, also noted that the number of beneficiaries was disappointingly low and not representative of the area’s needs
“Most of the registered widows didn’t benefit and when we tried to find out we were informed that the selection is based on a computerized system and so there is nothing that can be done about it”
The Bamuhene of Teacher Mante Nana Ogyedom Oheneaku Asamanin has meanwhile stepped up to support the vulnerable making various donations including cloth and cash to about 150 widows in the community to ameliorate their plight.
Some of the beneficiary widows expressed their dissatisfaction and called for improved distribution and monitoring to ensure the program reaches those who need it most.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
