The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, recently embarked on a monitoring visit to selected payment centers in the Greater Accra Region. Her goal is to ensure the smooth and transparent distribution of cash grants under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme. During her visit, the Minister engaged with beneficiaries and payment agents to evaluate the efficiency of the process and address any challenges encountered.
The 94th and 95th LEAP cycles provide a combined payment to eligible households, ranging from GHS 512.00 for one eligible member household to GHS 848.00 for four or more eligible member households. The LEAP Programme offers vital financial support to extremely poor households with vulnerable individuals, including orphans, persons with severe disabilities, and elderly individuals.
In related news, a seed fund, known as the Alternative Livelihood Support Fund, is being established to support bushmeat traders and hunters in Ghana. The fund aims to address the challenges faced by these individuals, particularly during emergencies or when the bushmeat supply is scarce. Director of Research at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kofi Amponsah, highlighted this initiative during the official launch of the National Bushmeat Traders and Hunters Association in Accra.
The government’s efforts to provide alternative livelihood support are part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. Similar initiatives, such as the Alternative Livelihood Development Programme, have been launched in the past to support communities affected by illegal mining.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
