Govt to minimise negative impact of policies - Nduom

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Co-operation, Thursday said the government has introduced an Emergency Social Relief Programme (ESRP) aimed at minimising negative impact of policies intended to stabilise the economy.

He said the government would reduce the harsh measures needed to develop the economy with a relief package for vulnerable groups and deprived communities.

Dr Nduom said this during a working visit to Nima, in Accra to assess the negative impact of the government's policies and how best to assist the inhabitants through the ESRP.

He was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Committee of the ESRP, Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

Dr Nduom said the government is sensitive to the vulnerable but it needs to adopt some harsh economic policies to "pull the country from the current crisis".

The relief measures would be community initiated aimed at alleviating vulnerability through assessment of each deprived community, he explained adding that the package include, food aid, supply of commodities and sale of other food items at subsidised prices.

Dr Nduom said the Committee would work together with organised groups and other identifiable community based NGOs, farmers, fishermen and market women.

The Minister said the ESRP would be proactive within the scope of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and focus more on social disasters.

The people of Nima called for the establishment of a Community Senior Secondary School and a face-lift for the area.

They also complained about poor drainage system, lack of good sanitation and a market.