Ofori-Atta announces expansion of LEAP to cover 2.5m Ghanaians by end of 2024
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has announced Government’s commitment to significantly expand the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) program, ensuring coverage for all 2.5 million extremely poor individuals by 2024. This bold initiative reflects the government’s long-standing tradition of compassion and care for the underprivileged, aiming to provide critical support to those most vulnerable in society.
In a recent press conference, Minister Ofori-Atta outlined the government’s strategy to strengthen social protection through increased social spending, safeguarding the poor and vulnerable from the potential impact of adjustments under the national economic program. The proposed expansion of LEAP will entail a substantial increase in social spending, allowing for enhanced coverage and improved support for those living in extreme poverty.
Under the 2023 Budget, the government has made specific provisions to double the monthly LEAP payment per beneficiary household from ¢45 to ¢90. This progressive increase in financial aid will provide tangible relief to impoverished households and offer greater financial stability to those struggling to make ends meet. Moreover, the number of beneficiary households will witness a significant surge from the current 344,185 to ensure the program reaches its ambitious target by 2024.
The Finance Minister also unveiled plans to allocate additional resources to the School Feeding Programme, addressing the rising costs of meals and aiming to ensure more efficient management of the initiative. Recognizing the critical role that adequate nutrition plays in facilitating learning outcomes and fostering educational success, the government is committed to providing a supportive environment for school-going children. The increased budgetary allocation will help maintain the quality and effectiveness of the School Feeding Programme, benefitting numerous students across the country.
Furthermore, the government intends to incrementally raise the Capitation Grant over time as part of broader measures to improve foundational learning. By allocating more resources to education, particularly at the early stages, the government seeks to enhance the quality of education and ensure that every child in Ghana has access to a solid educational foundation. The increased Capitation Grant will enable schools to invest in better infrastructure, educational resources, and teacher training, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes nationwide.
The ambitious targets set by the Ghanaian government underscore its commitment to social welfare and poverty alleviation. By expanding the LEAP program to encompass all 2.5 million individuals living in extreme poverty, the government seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable society, leaving no one behind. Moreover, the increased investment in the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant reflects the government’s determination to prioritize education as a vital tool for social mobility and national development.
In the pursuit of these goals, the government remains dedicated to sound fiscal management and strategic resource allocation. Finance Minister Ofori-Atta expressed confidence in the country’s financial stability and emphasized that the expansion of social protection programs and educational funding would be implemented in a sustainable manner, bolstered by prudent fiscal policies.
As Ghana strives to build a prosperous future, the government’s commitment to social protection and education stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of its citizens. With the expanded LEAP program, increased investment in the School Feeding Programme, and incremental growth of the Capitation Grant, Ghana takes a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous society, laying the foundation for a brighter future for all.
