LEAP programme expands as 400,000 households enrolled after nationwide review

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has launched the nationwide onboarding of 400,000 households onto the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme following a reassessment of beneficiaries across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony in Accra on Friday, she said the exercise marks a renewed phase for the programme, with a focus on improving fairness, accuracy and efficiency in the delivery of social assistance.

According to her, the reassessment reflects the changing nature of poverty, where households may move in and out of vulnerability due to economic pressures, illness, job loss or climate-related shocks.

Dr. Lartey explained that the review led to adjustments within the programme, with some households retained while 220,520 others exit after showing improved living conditions or meeting graduation criteria.

She said the nationwide enrollment will begin on April 27, 2026, and is expected to take between two and four weeks.

“The process will include validation of beneficiary data, registration on payment platforms and verification to ensure accuracy. Payments to new beneficiaries will begin only after the enrollment process is completed,” she stated

The Minister noted that the LEAP programme has over the years, supported vulnerable households to meet basic needs, keep children in school and access healthcare.

She added that the reassessment has shown that many beneficiary households have improved their welfare, allowing them to transition out of the programme, hence support those exiting, she said government has introduced measures to ensure a smooth transition.

“These include linking households to livelihood programmes, financial literacy training and community-based savings schemes to help them sustain their progress,” she added

Dr. Lartey urged implementing agencies, District Assemblies and payment service providers to carry out the exercise with professionalism and respect for beneficiaries.

She also acknowledged the role of development partners and government agencies in supporting the programme.

She encouraged newly enrolled households to take full advantage of the opportunities provided under LEAP, describing the intervention as a pathway to improved living conditions and long-term stability.