In an address during the Afrafranto Caravan Campaign Tour, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice Presidential Candidate for the Movement for Change, introduced the Ghana Rural Ageing Support Program (GRASP), an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing care for the elderly in rural Ghana.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Bibiani, KOD emphasized the distinct advantages of GRASP over the current Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, highlighting its comprehensive approach to health and financial welfare.

“Our elders deserve more than the current LEAP programme offers,” KOD stated, explaining that while LEAP has provided some relief, GRASP will address critical gaps, especially healthcare needs. “GRASP will support not only the financial welfare of our elderly but also focus on their health needs, which has been a major gap in LEAP.”

At the heart of GRASP is a specialized National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) exclusively for the elderly in rural communities, covering illnesses and conditions that aged Ghanaians commonly face. “Mr Alan Kyerematen is committed to catering to the welfare of the aged in rural Ghana, hence the GRASP,” KOD emphasized. “Our elders, after serving our country, should not be left to struggle with access to healthcare. GRASP ensures they receive the necessary medical care without financial burden.”

Alongside healthcare benefits, GRASP will provide a minimum monthly stipend of 200 cedis to every elderly beneficiary, giving them consistent financial support. “With GRASP, we’re not only offering healthcare - we’re also providing direct financial assistance to enhance their quality of life,” he added.

KOD also addressed accountability issues that have affected LEAP's impact, promising a more transparent and efficient system under GRASP. “One of the challenges with LEAP is that often, the real beneficiaries do not receive the support due to delivery inefficiencies,” he remarked. “With GRASP, we will ensure the system is diligent and efficient, so the actual recipients get the support intended for them.”

In closing, KOD urged Ghanaians to back the Afrafranto Movement to realize this vision. “Our elders have given so much to this nation; it is now our duty to care for them with respect and dignity,” he said, inviting voters to support the Movement for Change to bring GRASP to life for every elderly Ghanaian in rural communities.