Government Expands LEAP Safety Net: 50,000 additional households to benefit in landmark social protection push

By Phalonzy

In a decisive stride toward fortifying Ghana’s social protection architecture, the Government has unveiled plans to expand the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, extending its lifeline from 350,000 to 400,000 vulnerable households nationwide.

The landmark expansion was announced by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, during a high-level engagement with the World Bank Social Policy Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Robert S. Chase, who is in Ghana to consolidate 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 bilateral engagement centered on accelerating pivotal interventions under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project 2, notably the LEAP cash transfer programme and technical assistance for the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

Underscoring the imperative of robust partnerships, Dr. Lartey championed greater private sector participation to sustain and scale 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 spotlighted transformative legislative strides, including the Social Protection Act and the Affirmative Action Act, which are poised to enhance coordination and operational efficiency across the sector.

Reaffirming the World Bank’s unwavering resolve, Mr. Chase pledged continued support for Ghana’s social protection agenda, “particularly in directing resources toward improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations.”

The expansion of LEAP is anticipated to significantly amplify the reach and impact of Ghana’s flagship cash transfer programme, as the government intensifies its quest to build a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable social protection system.