Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has continued her oversight of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Beneficiary Enrolment Exercise. Her recent visits included the Savelugu Municipality and Kumbungu District in the Northern Region. This monitoring aims to ensure the effective delivery of social protection to vulnerable households.
The visits formed part of a two-day working tour across the Northern and North East regions. Dr. Lartey was accompanied by members of her Ministry's Advisory Board. Their objective was to assess the ongoing enrollment exercise's progress and address any implementation challenges. This direct engagement ensures accountability and transparency in the program's execution.
The LEAP program is a crucial component of Ghana's social safety net, providing cash transfers to extremely poor and vulnerable households. It targets households with orphans and vulnerable children, persons with severe disabilities, and the elderly. The program helps reduce poverty and improve living standards, aligning with Ghana's broader economic development goals. The government has consistently emphasized social protection as a key strategy for inclusive growth.
During her tour, Dr. Lartey paid courtesy calls on key traditional authorities. She met with Yoo Naa Abdulai Yakubu, the Chief of Savelugu, and Gbullung Naa Musah Surani, the Chief of Kumbungu. The Minister acknowledged the vital role traditional leaders play in supporting social protection initiatives within their communities. Their involvement is critical for community buy-in and successful program implementation.
Dr. Lartey also engaged with local government officials. She met with Alhassan Fuseini, the Municipal Chief Executive for Savelugu, and Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu, the District Chief Executive for Kumbungu. These meetings aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and local authorities. Effective partnership is essential for the successful rollout and management of the LEAP program at the grassroots level.
The delegation visited selected LEAP enrollment centers to gain firsthand insights. They interacted directly with beneficiaries, prospective applicants, and field officers. This direct engagement allowed the Minister to assess the exercise's progress and understand participants' experiences. Such interactions are vital for identifying areas for improvement and ensuring the program meets its intended objectives.
Dr. Lartey commended the cooperation received from traditional authorities, local government officials, and community members. She emphasized that their contributions are indispensable for the program's success. The Minister urged all stakeholders to maintain their collaborative efforts. This continued partnership will ensure that all eligible vulnerable households are successfully enrolled and receive the necessary support from the LEAP program. The government remains committed to expanding social protection coverage across the nation.