By Patrick Biddah
President John Dramani Mahama , has increased the budgetary allocation for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty ( LEAP) programme from Ghc728.8 million to Ghc953.5 million.
The increase, which is in fulfilment of a campaign promise, is to help meet the set targets of the programme.
This increase, has also seen to a wider coverage of beneficiaries from 350, 000 to 400, 000.
The Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa MomoLartey, made this disclosure on March 21, 2025 during a press conference to announce the disbursement of Ghc265m scheduled to begin on Tuesday March 25, 2025.
The disbursement, which will be the for 94th and 95th cycle, will cover the arrears for November and December 2024, as well as that of January and February this year.
With 260 Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts expected to be covered, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the government to reducing poverty and vulnerability in the country.
The grant, she emphasized covers vulnerable people such as, orphans, vulnerable children, persons with severe disabilities, elderly individuals aged 65 and above, in addition to pregnant women and lactating mothers with infants who are under a year old.
She emphasized the importance of this grant and encouraged the judicious and the need for beneficiaries to prioritize essential needs such as household nutrition, children’s education, and income generating activities in order to achieve the full benefit of the programme.
“While LEAP provides immediate financial relief, it is also important for beneficiaries to work towards sustainable livelihoods”, she added.
The Minister, who spoke on the immediate plan to increase coverage, touched on eligibility.
“The Ministry has commenced a comprehensive reassessment of beneficiary households to ensure continued eligibility and to make room for new vulnerable households”, she pointed out.
The reassessment, which is being undertaken by the Ghana National Household Registry (GNHR), will help to collect data towards enhancing the targeting of new beneficiaries.
“One eligible member household: GHS 512.00, Two eligible member households: GHS 608.00”, Three eligible member households: GHS 704.00 four or more eligible member households: GHS 848.00”, she further noted.