Accra, Jan 27, GNA - A group calling itself "Critical Eye Network" has lauded the government's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) social intervention policy to provide financial assistance to people in extreme poverty.

In a statement signed by Mr Armstrong Esaah, its spokesperson, the group described the policy as "a remarkable feat of a visionary government."

The programme, announced by the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment, provides between GH=A28 and GH=A215 monthly to "people of extreme poverty."

The statement noted that several governments around the globe are reaching out to the vulnerable in society; "the poor who cannot make ends meet; the aged who are not working; the minors who have no source of help on their own, to better their lot, adding that the LEAP is no exception from this global practice and trend. The group held that this step by the government to empower the livelihood of Ghanaians against poverty demonstrates its unrelenting commitment to improve the general living conditions of the less privileged, "to give them a hope of future".

The group called on critics against the policy, especially Kwesi Pratt and the opposition National Democratic Congress, to "swallow their political pride to be able to dialogue with government to make this support system a huge success."