Father Andrew Campbell, the founder of the Lepers Aid Committee, recently met with the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to discuss potential collaborations aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. Campbell, who also serves as the caretaker of the Weija Leprosarium, has dedicated decades to championing the welfare of people affected by leprosy and other marginalized groups, offering essential services like shelter, healthcare, and social reintegration.
During the meeting, Father Campbell stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to ensure people with disabilities receive adequate care. He also advocated for the expansion of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program to include more eligible inmates, thereby broadening social protection for a wider range of marginalized individuals. The conversation also addressed the pressing issue of street children, an issue the Minister is committed to tackling.
Dr. Lartey affirmed her ministry’s commitment to addressing these issues, noting ongoing collaborations with various agencies to find long-term solutions for street children. She assured Father Campbell that her ministry would take practical steps to enroll all eligible individuals in the LEAP program. The Minister also highlighted the recent parliamentary passage of the Social Protection Bill, which, upon receiving Presidential assent, will strengthen the legal framework for protecting vulnerable groups and provide a more sustainable foundation for programs like LEAP.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
