The government of Ghana has released GH¢139.33 million under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to assist 350,580 vulnerable households nationwide, reaching an estimated 1.5 million beneficiaries.

The disclosure was made in Accra by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at a press briefing.

She stated that the payment represents the 96th cycle of LEAP cash grant disbursements, which provide consistent financial support to indigent and vulnerable households to help ease economic hardship.

She further indicated that increased funding in the 2025 national budget has strengthened the programme and made it possible to broaden its coverage.

Data from the 2025 Budget Statement show that allocations for LEAP increased from about GH¢728.8 million in 2024 to GH¢953.5 million this year.

According to the minister, the enhanced budget will allow the programme to reach more beneficiaries, with the government aiming to expand coverage to approximately 400,000 households in the upcoming payment cycles.

Beneficiaries include households with orphans and vulnerable children, elderly persons aged 65 years and above without caregivers, persons with severe disabilities unable to work, as well as impoverished pregnant and lactating women with infants.

The LEAP programme, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, provides cash transfers to improve living conditions, support essential needs such as nutrition, health, and education, and encourage engagement in small income-generating activities.

The minister noted that the increased investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems, reducing inequality, and improving the welfare of the country’s most vulnerable groups.