General News of Monday, 15 August 2005

Source: GNA

Street beggars appeal for financial support

Accra, Aug. 15, GNA - Some beggars on the streets of Accra have appealed to the government and NGOs for financial support that would help them improve on their conditions.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, the beggars who had lined the Kingsway and Ridge Hospital roads said if aided financially, they could go to school or engage in economic activities. They expressed interest in selling items such as pencils, pens, handkerchiefs, sweets, ice cream, and dresses.

One of them said he had saved enough money to buy some wares for sale, but others said they did not have money to invest in the trade. They held that begging for alms was not easy and that it exposed them to several dangers and maltreatment from passers-by.