The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has announced that the government has earmarked GH¢400,000 for the refurbishment of the Bekwai Central Destitute Infirmary in the Ashanti Region.
During her two-day working visit to the region, Minister Newman inspected the facility and noted that the government’s funding will ensure renovations to upgrade the state of the infirmary. She emphasized the urgent need for a facelift to bring comfort to the 41 inmates, mostly aged and persons with disabilities.
The Minister identified challenges related to infrastructure, basic needs, and fencing to protect the inmates and the facility. She assured that a technical team from the Department of Social Welfare will assess the situation and advise on the renovation.
Additionally, Minister Newman committed to making a case for additional funding to construct a wall to protect the inmates and the facility’s lands. She also monitored the payments of beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program at Atonsu and Sabin Akrofuom, interacting with beneficiaries to ensure they received the correct amounts.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the payment process and assured beneficiaries of the government’s commitment to protecting the aged and vulnerable. She highlighted the success of the LEAP program, which has seen a 100% increase in beneficiaries within a year, impacting the lives of the extreme poor across the country.
Rev. Dr. Mrs. Comfort Asare, Acting Director of the Department of Social Welfare, emphasized the need for increased funding to cater to the inmates and upgrade the facility. She also stressed the importance of recruiting caregivers to ensure their commitment to duty.
