News:
January 10, 2014
Over 500 deprived head porters, popularly known as “Kayayεi” in the Kumasi metropolis are to receive free health package to improve their livelihood.
Under the scheme, Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu will provide free health insurance for the vulnerable, whilst the Member of Parliament of Oforikrom Constituency, Elizabeth Agyemang will support with regular medical screening.
The intervention follows an exposé on Nhyira Fm’s “Kroyi Mu Nsem” programme on the vulnerability of “Kayayεi”, particularly those below the age of 15 years.
Over 2,000 children are estimated to be living in slums around the Aboabo, Sawaba, Asafo and other suburbs of the metropolis.
Most of these are school drop outs and migrants from the northern parts of the country, some are victims of exploitation and trafficking to engage in the “Kayayo” business.
These children are often exposed to social vices including, child prostitution, stealing and smoking.
Following a discussion on Nhyira Fm, the Oforikrom MP, Elizabeth Agyemeng, visited some of the slums to ascertain the condition of the children.
“More than 50 people are sleeping in a small room made of wood”, a situation she describes as “unfortunate” and “disturbing”.
She told Nhyira Fm several discussions are underway with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to ease the plight of the children.
Ms. Agyemang admits successive governments have failed the country by playing ignorance to the deplorable state of livelihood of such head porters living in various municipal and metropolitan areas.
She believes government can institute immediate measures to curb what she describes as the “uncontrollable migration” from the three northern regions in search of non-existing jobs.