Ghana's government has enrolled 400,000 new households into the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme. This expansion occurred after a nationwide reassessment exercise.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, announced this on Friday, April 24, 2026. She stated the reassessment was crucial to reflect changing poverty dynamics. This ensures support reaches those most in need.
This initiative represents a significant reform in Ghana’s social safety net. The LEAP Programme provides vital cash transfers and improves access to essential services. It serves vulnerable households across the country and has been active for 18 years.
Minister Lartey described the exercise as a major reform. It aims to strengthen the program’s effectiveness, transparency, and fairness. Such targeted social interventions are critical for Ghana's economic stability, particularly for low-income households. They help mitigate the impact of economic shocks and foster inclusive growth.
The reassessment led to 220,520 households transitioning out of the program. These households either graduated or exited the programme. The addition of 400,000 new households marks one of LEAP's largest expansions since it began.
The Minister emphasized that this relaunch shifts LEAP from a static system to a dynamic one. This responsive framework will better address the evolving needs of beneficiaries. Nationwide enrollment for the newly selected households will start on April 27, 2026. This process should be completed within two to four weeks.
Payments to new beneficiaries will commence after successful enrollment. This ensures accountability and maintains system integrity. Households exiting the program will receive support through transitional arrangements, including livelihood and financial empowerment initiatives. This commitment ensures no eligible Ghanaian is left behind.
Madam Cynthia Nimo-Ampredu, a Social Protection Specialist with the World Bank, praised the Ministry’s efforts. She commended the technical teams, including the LEAP Management Secretariat and Ghana National Household Registry. She noted that regular reassessments, as anticipated under the Social Protection Act 2025, are vital. These ensure that Ghana's limited government resources efficiently target the most vulnerable citizens.
Madam Nimo-Ampredu stressed the need for continuous updates to the Ghana National Household Registry. She also highlighted the importance of intensified public education. This will help beneficiaries understand that social assistance is a right but not indefinite. She further pointed to improvements made over the past three years. These include reviewing benefit levels and linking them to inflation. She called for expanded “cash-plus” interventions to support sustainable graduation from the program. This comprehensive approach is crucial for lifting families out of extreme poverty permanently.