Ministry of Gender announces 100% increase in LEAP grants for beneficiary households

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has announced a 100% increase in cash grants for households participating in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, effective July 1, 2024. The LEAP programme aims to alleviate poverty by enhancing and stabilizing consumption among the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

According to the Ministry, the increase will benefit 324,073 households, with the government releasing GHC 103,251,072.01 for the LEAP grant. As of June 2023, the cash grants provided were GHC 128 for a one-member household, which will now rise to GHC 256. For a two-member household, the grant increases from GHC 152 to GHC 304, while for a three-member household, it goes from GHC 176 to GHC 352, and for a four-member household, it rises from GHC 212 to GHC 424.

This adjustment comes after some beneficiaries reported delays in receiving their grants despite the 100% increment announced in June 2023. Addressing these concerns at a press conference on June 28, 2024, Sector Minister Dakoa Newman assured the public that there would be no further delays.

“This increase takes effect from July 1, 2024, and the payments are made bi-monthly, meaning every two months. The amount allocated for July will cover the payments for the four months from January to April, so the next payment will be due in July,” Minister Newman explained. “Now that this amount has been committed, we assure the public that there will be no default in future payments.”

Minister Newman also emphasized the importance of reassessing the LEAP programme to ensure its effectiveness.

Responding to allegations that the LEAP grants were being distributed to party loyalists, Newman refuted the claims. “There is no evidence to prove that some beneficiaries of the LEAP programme are party foot soldiers. I am not aware of any such issues. The LEAP Programme follows a rigorous assessment process to determine eligibility,” she stated.

The Minister’s statements reaffirm the government’s commitment to the LEAP programme and address concerns about the programme’s administration.

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