50,000 more households to benefit from LEAP expansion – Gender Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to expand the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme from 350,000 to 400,000 beneficiary households, in a move aimed at strengthening social protection for vulnerable populations.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, disclosed this during a meeting with the World Bank Social Policy Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Robert S. Chase, who is in Ghana to deepen collaboration on social protection interventions.
According to the Minister, the expansion forms part of broader efforts to enhance the country’s social safety nets and extend support to more vulnerable households across the country.
She noted that programmes such as LEAP continue to play a critical role in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods, particularly among the most at-risk groups.
The engagement between government and the World Bank focused on advancing key interventions under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project 2, including the LEAP cash transfer programme and technical support for the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
Dr. Lartey emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships, including private sector participation, to sustain and scale up social protection initiatives. She also assured that measures are being put in place to ensure a smooth transition for beneficiaries exiting such programmes.
The Minister further highlighted ongoing legislative efforts, including the Social Protection Act and the Affirmative Action Act, which are expected to improve coordination and efficiency within the sector.
On his part, Mr. Chase reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s social protection agenda, particularly in directing resources toward improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations.
The expansion of LEAP is expected to significantly increase the reach of Ghana’s flagship cash transfer programme as the government intensifies efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient social protection system.