Gender Minister Pays 2 Day Working Visit To Ashanti Region
The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government has commenced the second phase of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grants payment, benefiting households across the country. This social intervention programme has so far reached 324,073 beneficiary households, with a total disbursement of GH¢103,251,072.01 in bi-monthly grants.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Darkoa Newman, monitored the payment of the 89th Cycle of the LEAP programme during her working visit to the Ashanti Region. Accompanied by the Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, and staff from the LEAP Management Secretariat, the Minister visited payment points at the Asokwa and Sabin Akrofroum Chief Palaces.
The purpose of the monitoring exercise was to interact with beneficiaries, address their concerns, and gather first-hand information about the payment process. During her interactions, Minister Darkoa Newman announced a 100% increase in the grant amount to beneficiary households. She encouraged recipients to invest the cash grants in their businesses and children’s education, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that social intervention programmes effectively support poor and vulnerable communities.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the increased support, sharing stories of how the funds have positively impacted their lives. Many highlighted how the grants have enabled them to meet basic needs, invest in small businesses, and support their children’s education.
The LEAP programme, one of the flagship social protection initiatives of the Government of Ghana, is a crucial social cash transfer programme designed to provide support to vulnerable households. It continues to play a vital role in improving the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
In addition to her oversight of the LEAP payments, Minister Darkoa Newman also visited the Kumasi Children’s Home, which operates under the Ministry through the Department of Social Welfare. This visit aimed to assess the conditions and operations of the home, ensuring that the welfare of children under care remains a top priority.
The government’s ongoing commitment to social protection and poverty alleviation remains evident through the successful implementation and expansion of the LEAP programme, benefitting thousands of households nationwide.