The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government has begun the Payment of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grants to beneficiaries of the social intervention programme across the country.
So far, up to 324,073 beneficiary households have received the bi-monthly grants, as payment of GH¢103,251,072.01 has been made.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, last month announced that the grants would see a 100 per cent increase, effectively doubling the previous stipends.
However, as part of her working visit to the Ashanti Region, over the weekend, she monitored the payment of the 89th Cycle of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.
Accompanied by the Chief Director, Dr Afisah Zakariah and staff from the LEAP Management Secretariat, they visited Asokwa and Sabin Akrofroum Chief Palace payment points in the region.
The Minister’s monitoring exercise aimed to interact with beneficiaries, address concerns and gather first-hand information about the payment process.
While interacting with beneficiaries, the Minister disclosed a 100% increase in the grant amount to beneficiary households, urging them to invest the cash grants in their businesses and children’s education.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that social intervention programmes benefit poor and vulnerable communities.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed their gratitude for the increased support, sharing stories of how the funds have positively impacted their lives by enabling them to meet basic needs, invest in small businesses, and support their children’s education.
The LEAP programme is one of the flagship social protection initiatives of the Government of Ghana and remains a vital social cash transfer programme aimed at providing support to vulnerable households.
Children’s Home Visit
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection thereafter undertook a working visit to the Kumasi Children’s Home, which operates under the Ministry through the Department of Social Welfare.
The Minister at the visitation assessed the living conditions and ongoing needs of the facility at the home which accommodates about 71 children, offering them essential care and support.
During her visit, the Minister engaged closely with both children and staff, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and protection of vulnerable children.
In outlining plans, the Minister emphasized initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for children in institutional care, reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to addressing their comprehensive needs and ensuring their overall well-being.
Later, the Minister and her team proceeded to the Central Destitute Infirmary in Bekwai, located in the Ashanti Region.
She interacted with inmates and social workers while inspecting the facilities that house them.
The Central Destitute Infirmary, overseen by the Ministry, provides essential care for destitute, elderly, and other marginalized individuals in society.
Acknowledging the caregivers’ dedication, the Minister commended their support for the inmates and encouraged them to continue their exemplary work.
Additionally, she announced that the government has allocated funds for renovating buildings and facilities within the infirmary, underscoring ongoing efforts to improve conditions for its residents.
