The government of Ghana has allocated GH¢109,031,160 for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, which will benefit approximately 350,000 households during the 83rd and 84th cycles.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has initiated the nationwide distribution of cash grants to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.
In response to the worsening global socio-economic crisis, the cash grant has been increased by 100%, as stated by Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
This increase means eligible households will now receive higher amounts per cycle compared to previous payments.
According to the statement, “Given the 100% increase in the bi-monthly cash grant, one eligible member household will now receive GH¢128.00 instead of GH¢64.00.”
The statement further explains the increased amounts for households with different numbers of eligible members, such as GH¢152.00 for two eligible member households, GH¢176.00 for three eligible member households, and GH¢212.00 for households with four or more eligible members.
The LEAP Programme is a social protection initiative aimed at reducing poverty by providing regular cash grants to the poorest households in Ghana.
It seeks to improve the well-being of beneficiaries by promoting human capital development and ensuring smoother consumption patterns.
The statement acknowledges the socio-economic impact of the global economic crisis, which has significantly affected the lives and livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable.
As a responsible government, efforts are being made to address these challenges and minimize the adverse effects on the most disadvantaged.
Eligibility for the cash grants is determined by specific categories of individuals, including orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), elderly individuals without support, persons with severe disabilities who cannot work, and extremely poor pregnant women and mothers with infants under one year.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection urges all stakeholders involved in the LEAP payment process, including the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, the LEAP Community Focal Persons, the Payment Service Provider, the Ghana Inter-bank Payment and Settlement Systems, and the Participating Financial Institutions, to ensure a successful and efficient payment system.
By providing increased financial support to vulnerable households, the government aims to mitigate the socio-economic challenges faced by the poorest segments of society, promoting greater social protection and well-being for all.
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