The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, a crucial social intervention initiative by the Ghanaian government, aims to alleviate poverty and improve the welfare of the most vulnerable segments of the population. On April 2nd, 2025, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, conducted a monitoring visit to the Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region to oversee the disbursement of LEAP benefits. The visit focused on ensuring the smooth and efficient distribution of funds to beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities, who often face significant challenges in accessing essential resources. The Minister’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the LEAP program. Her interactions with beneficiaries provided valuable insights into the program’s impact and areas for improvement.
The LEAP program provides critical financial assistance to extremely poor households across Ghana, targeting vulnerable groups such as orphaned and vulnerable children, individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to work, and the elderly aged 65 and above without any form of support. The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by these groups and aims to provide a safety net that helps them meet basic needs and improve their quality of life. During her visit, the Minister highlighted the tiered benefit structure, explaining that one-eligible-member households receive GH₵512.00, two-member households receive GH₵608.00, three-member households receive GH₵704.00, and four-member households receive GH₵848.00. These varying amounts reflect the government’s commitment to providing support tailored to the specific needs of different household sizes.
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey expressed satisfaction with the payment process observed in the Krowor Municipality, commending the efficiency and organization of the disbursement exercise. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without undue delays or complications. Furthermore, she urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly and invest in income-generating activities that can contribute to their long-term financial stability. This encouragement aligns with the broader goals of the LEAP program, which aims not only to provide immediate relief but also to empower beneficiaries to break the cycle of poverty.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by some beneficiaries, particularly those with mobility issues, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring equitable access to the program’s benefits. She highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline the payment process and explore innovative solutions that cater to the specific needs of vulnerable individuals. This commitment reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in social protection programs. Furthermore, the Minister encouraged beneficiaries to explore opportunities for small-scale businesses as a means of achieving greater financial independence and improving their overall livelihoods.
Looking towards the future, the Minister announced plans for a significant expansion of the LEAP program, aiming to include over 50,000 additional households starting in July. This expansion demonstrates the government’s dedication to extending the reach of social protection programs and reaching more individuals and families in need. The Minister emphasized that this expansion is a key priority under the leadership of H.E. John Mahama, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection mechanisms and improving the well-being of all Ghanaians. This expansion signifies a significant step towards achieving broader social development goals and ensuring that vulnerable populations are provided with the support they need to thrive.
The Minister’s visit was met with positive feedback from LEAP beneficiaries, who expressed their gratitude for the government’s commitment to increasing the grant amounts for the 94th and 95th payment cycles. This increase represents a significant improvement in the level of support provided to beneficiaries, enabling them to better meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living. The Minister concluded her visit by thanking the beneficiaries for their patience and understanding and assured them that all outstanding payments would be disbursed promptly during the reassessment process. This commitment to timely and efficient payment underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring that beneficiaries receive the support they need without unnecessary delays or complications. The Minister’s visit served as a testament to the government’s proactive approach to social welfare and its commitment to ensuring the effectiveness and reach of the LEAP program.
