NDC, NPP Communicators express divergent views on social intervention programmes
The party communicators debated the progress of social intervention programmes, with the NDC highlighting recent expansions to LEAP while the NPP argued that most of the initiatives were originally introduced under its administration.
Communications team members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency have expressed differing views on the progress and impact of social intervention programmes implemented under their respective administrations.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 15, Mercy Abada, a member of the NDC Communications Team, argued that social intervention programmes have seen significant improvement under the current NDC administration led by John Dramani Mahama.
She cited the government’s recent announcement to expand the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme from 350,000 to 400,000 beneficiary households as evidence of its commitment to strengthening social protection.
According to her, the introduction of a legislative framework with dedicated funding has enhanced the sustainability of the LEAP programme.
“There is now an Act with dedicated funding for the LEAP programme. Since last year, stipends to beneficiaries have been regularised, unlike in the past when payments were inconsistent,” she said.
Abada added that the expansion would ensure that more vulnerable households are covered and cushioned against poverty.
She further noted that the government is prioritising complementary interventions such as the School Feeding Programme and capitation grants, which she believes will significantly improve livelihoods.
However, Stephen Nabiina-Yerijua, a member of the NPP Communications Team, while commending the LEAP expansion, maintained that the NDC has not made any substantial additions to existing social intervention programmes introduced by the NPP.
He argued that the LEAP programme itself was initiated under an NPP administration and that the current government has largely sustained, rather than enhanced, the initiative.
“It is a poverty alleviation programme introduced by the NPP. The NDC has not added anything significantly new; they have only maintained it,” he stated.
Nabiina-Yerijua also highlighted several other social intervention policies introduced by the NPP, stressing their importance, particularly in northern Ghana where economic opportunities are limited.
“The impact of initiatives like LEAP cannot be overemphasized, especially in the northern part of the country where there are limited economic opportunities. These programmes play a crucial role in improving livelihoods.” He added.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
