The government has earmarked over GH¢126 million for disbursement to support vulnerable households across the country under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.
The 98th payment cycle, which commences next week, will benefit 350,580 households, positively impacting the lives of over 1.5 million individuals nationwide.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, made this known at a media briefing in Accra yesterday.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing vulnerability and ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind in the nation’s social protection agenda.
“The commencement of the 98th Cycle of the LEAP Cash Grant Payment is a powerful testament to the government’s dedication to the reduction of vulnerability in our society. Cycle after cycle, we have translated this commitment into concrete action,” the minister said.
Background
The 98th payment cycle also reflects a 25 per cent increase in the allowances.
The payment covers July to August this year.
With the upward adjustment, beneficiary households with one eligible member will receive GH¢320, those with two members will receive GH¢380, households with three members will get GH¢440, while those with four or more members will receive GH¢530.
Consistency
Dr Lartey explained that the payment would be made according to household size, saying the consistent payment support reflected the government’s determination to build a country where “the most vulnerable are shielded from hardship, and where every household is empowered to live with dignity and hope.”
Dr Lartey thanked President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and vision in sustaining and expanding the LEAP programme.
“We remain eternally grateful to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for making this possible. His leadership has ensured the provision of adequate resources to sustain the LEAP programme,” she said.
She added that, in line with the President’s vision, the ministry was working to expand LEAP coverage from 350,580 to 400,000 households by the end of 2025.
Inflation
The minister disclosed that the government had begun implementing a structural benchmark for indexation, ensuring that LEAP cash grants are adjusted against inflation to preserve their value.
This initiative, which began in the 96th payment cycle, was designed to protect beneficiaries from the rising cost of living and ensure that the programme remains effective and relevant.
Beyond financial assistance, Dr Lartey said LEAP is now focused on empowering households through human capital development and productive inclusion, adding that the ministry has trained a cadre of master trainers to provide technical support and regular sensitisation for beneficiaries across all districts.
“This structured approach ensures that LEAP is not only a safety net but also a springboard for sustainable economic and human development,” she said.
Payment Options
To improve access and convenience, Dr Lartey said the ministry was collaborating with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) to introduce multiple cash-out options for LEAP beneficiaries.
The initiative was to enhance financial inclusion and allow beneficiaries to receive grants through several accessible channels.
Dr Lartey cautioned against any form of malpractice and urged the public to report cases of fraud, underpayment, or mistreatment to the ministry through 0303-969-399 or the toll-free numbers 0800-800-800 and 0800-900-900.
“Together, we can protect the integrity and success of the LEAP programme,” she said.
