"Gov't expands LEAP to 400,000 households, increases grants" — Gender Minister

The government has significantly expanded coverage of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program to reach 400,000 vulnerable households across the country.

This was disclosed by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, during a press briefing in Accra on Monday.

Dr. Lartey revealed that government has allocated GH₵953.5 million to the LEAP initiative in the 2025 budget, representing a substantial increase from the GH₵728.8 million allocated in 2024.

"The increase in funding reflects the government's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable groups in our society, especially in the face of economic challenges," the Minister stated.

As part of the reforms, the Ministry has introduced a new inflation-adjusted payment structure to ensure that beneficiaries receive meaningful assistance. Under the revised structure:

• Households with one eligible member will now receive GH₵320, up from GH₵256.

• Two-member households will receive GH₵380, up from GH₵304.

• Three-member households will receive GH₵440, up from GH₵352.

• Households with four or more eligible members will receive GH₵530, up from GH₵424.

Dr. Lartey urged beneficiaries to use the financial support wisely by prioritizing household nutrition, children's education, income-generating ventures, and building a savings culture based on their specific household needs.

She emphasized that the LEAP program remains a crucial safety net targeting the most vulnerable groups, including orphans and vulnerable children, elderly persons aged 65 and above with no support, persons with severe disabilities who are unable to work, and extremely poor pregnant or lactating women with infants under one year old.

"The expansion and adjustment of LEAP will provide meaningful relief to thousands of families, helping them to improve their living conditions and achieve a more stable future," Dr. Lartey added.

The LEAP program, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has been a flagship social protection intervention aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing livelihoods among Ghana's most at-risk populations.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith