By Ibrahim Zanya Salifu
The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has announced the start of the 97th cycle of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, which will provide bi-monthly cash transfers to over 350,000 extremely poor and vulnerable households throughout Ghana.
During a press briefing in Accra, Dr. Lartey disclosed that the government has allocated a total of ₵150,162,434 for this cycle, which covers May and June 2025. This payment also includes back payments from a 25% grant increase that was introduced in the previous cycle but was not distributed at that time.
A total of 1,555,677 individuals are anticipated to benefit from this cycle, which Dr. Lartey stated demonstrates the government’s dedication to safeguarding livelihoods, promoting social equity, and ensuring that no Ghanaian is overlooked.
“The 97th LEAP cycle is more than just cash distribution. It reaffirms our government’s commitment to restoring dignity and assisting the most vulnerable members of our society,” she remarked.
The increased payment amounts per household are as follows: One-member households: ₵384.00, Two-member households: ₵456.00, Three-member households: ₵528.00, and Four or more-member households: ₵636.00.
Dr. Lartey pointed out that the LEAP programme continues to be a key poverty intervention aimed at the elderly poor, severely disabled individuals without productive capacity, orphans, and vulnerable children. She praised the collaborative efforts of development partners, civil society organizations, and local assemblies in ensuring the programme’s success.
She also stressed the Ministry’s ongoing collaboration with the Ghana National Household Registry to enhance data accuracy and include newly vulnerable groups affected by economic and climate-related challenges.
“Cash alone is insufficient,” Dr. Lartey emphasized, highlighting the need to connect LEAP with health insurance, education, and livelihood services to foster long-term self-sufficiency.
She assured beneficiaries of timely and uninterrupted payments while the Ministry continues to explore more secure, digital payment options.
Dr. Lartey encouraged beneficiaries to fulfill co-responsibilities under the programme and report any grievances via official toll-free lines: 0800800800, 0800900900, or 0303969399.
“We see you, we hear you, and we are here for you,” she concluded.
By Ibrahim Zanya Salifu || The Corporate Guardian
