Accra, Aug. 3, GNA – The Department for International Development (DFID), a United Kingdom Assistance Organisation, on Wednesday presented office equipment to the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare (MESW) in Accra.

The equipment included 88 computer work stations; 95 swivel chairs; executive L-shape desks; 30 digital cameras; 54 computers and accessories, 50 pieces UPS; 46 printers; eight, laptops and notebook computers; and a heavy duty photocopier.

They were part of a Memorandum Of Understanding signed with the Ministry in 2008 for a 3.2 million-pound sterling assistance for four years through the implementation of an Institutional Strengthening Plan (ISP), including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) being implemented by the Ministry.

The assistance was to offer the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) the ability to procurement office equipment and furniture; capacity building (skills training); development of a more effective targeting mechanism for Social Protection Interventions; strengthening human resource management system; information management system and procurement management system.

Last year, 45 computer work stations; 46 printers; 665 bicycles; 45 photocopiers; and 50 motorbikes were procured and distributed the DSW Head Office, Metropolitan, Municipal and District offices.

Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, Minister of MESW, receiving the equipment, appreciated the support and assured DFID that they would be well utilised for the benefit of the target group.

“We will also ensure an effective maintenance regime to guarantee the longest lifespan for the equipment,” he added.

Ms Sally Taylor, Head of DFID in Ghana, presenting the equipment said DFID supported the LEAP programme because it would help poor people to meet their basic needs.

She said an official visit to the Northern Region recently confirmed that the LEAP programme had transformed many lives.

Ms Taylor expressed the hope that the equipment would enhance the programme and ensure that the poorest also enjoyed from the kitty.

“We support government’s budget because of its commitment to reduce poverty among the citizenry,” Ms Taylor added.

Mr Stephen Adongo, Director of DSW, said the LEAP programme was improving lives of beneficiaries and needed enough resources to expand it to include many more disadvantaged people in the country.

He pledged their commitment to use the equipment judiciously to achieve goals of the programme.