Program to support the aged launched

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has introduced a program where the aged and poor are given GHc45 every month to enable them make a living.

So far, 75,000 people are benefiting from the programme and the ministry is expected to increase the number to 150,000 people by the end of the year.

Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection made this known over the weekend when she toured Tema and Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region to ascertain the problems facing women and children.

She visited the Canoe Landing Beach at the Tema Fishing Harbour, U Compound Fish Smoking Base, Tema Manhyia Senior High School, Three Monkeys, Mama Africa and Ashaiman Main Market.

She also interacted with the chiefs and explained the ministry’s agenda.

According to her, the ministry is sourcing funding from donors to implement programmes and projects that would lift the standards of women and protect children.

She also stated that the ministry would work with financial institutions to give micro- credits to market women in order to improve upon their businesses.

She said that the priority of the ministry is to build day care centres, toilet facilities and clinics at the various market centres.

Meanwhile, the Chief Fishermen, Nii Odametey II, appealed to the minister to expedite action on the needs of the community, basic facilities such as schools, clinics and toilet facilities.

He called on the authorities to ensure that the Fishing Act 625 of 2002 and Legislative Instrument 2010 of 1968 were enforced because, some fishermen do not comply with it.

On the other hand, Market Queen of Ashaiman, Leticia Ayaba appealed to the minister to collaborate with the municipal assembly, to provide electricity, market sheds, a clinic, toilet facility and a day care centre for the market.

Nana Oye Lithur ordered the Ghana Police Service to close and demolish the Three Monkeys and Mama Africa Camps, which are being used by young girls for prostitution.