The Member of Parliament for Agotime Ziope, Mr. Charles Agbeve, has called for a review of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) policy to ensure the automatic inclusion of vulnerable widows as beneficiaries, stressing that current structures leave many exposed to extreme hardship.

Speaking exclusively with this reporter, Mr. Agbeve noted that while LEAP provides critical social protection, including free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage for beneficiaries, many widows who clearly fall into vulnerable categories are often left out. He questioned who bears the responsibility for the healthcare needs of such widows when they are not captured under the programme.

According to him, the policy documents guiding LEAP eligibility must be revisited to reflect real-life vulnerabilities within communities. He explained that although categories such as persons living with disabilities, indigents, and mothers of twins and triplets qualify for support, the definition of “indigent” is often too technical and does not adequately reflect the lived conditions of many poor households.

Mr. Agbeve argued that widows should be given priority without subjecting them to extensive investigations once their status is confirmed. He suggested that verification by community opinion leaders such as chiefs and assembly members should be sufficient to establish need, especially where widows struggle to cater for their children’s education and basic survival.

He further highlighted the social and cultural challenges widows face, including stigma and restrictions that make remarriage difficult, unlike in the case of widowers who often remarry easily. This, he said, compounds their vulnerability and reinforces the need for targeted advocacy and public education to change societal attitudes towards widows.

The MP stressed that sustained stress, uncertainty, and economic hardship contribute to serious health challenges among widows, including high blood pressure and other stress-related illnesses. He noted that consistent social support through government programmes like LEAP, complemented by NGO interventions, would significantly reduce these burdens and improve their quality of life.

Mr. Agbeve concluded by calling for affirmative action in favour of widows under social protection schemes, describing it as both a moral and developmental imperative. He emphasized that institutionalizing such support would not only protect widows but also strengthen families and communities, ensuring that no vulnerable woman is left behind.

Mr Agbeve was speaking exclusively during a donation made to support over 500 widows in Agortime ziope constituency in collaboration with Life Resurrection organization.

Meanwhile, Madam Mary Agbolete the founder of Life Resurrection Foundation said, the initiative is aimed at empowering and supporting the widows in the constituency.

According to her, many of these widows have been neglected by individuals and some families hence affecting their emotional and physical health.

“I formed this organization to support our widows because many of them have been neglected and we forgot about them during the festive season hence the need to bring them together to put a smile on their faces. I spoke with the mp and he embraced the initiative and support with items worth 10,000.00" she noted.

She appeals to government and individuals to come onboard to support the vulnerables.

Madam Mary Agbolete expressed her gratitude to the mp for his support and assures of bringing more of the vulnerables onboard.