Government Launches 99th Cycle of LEAP Money Bills: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), has officially initiated the 99th cycle of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme. This significant social intervention aims to provide financial relief to the most vulnerable households across the nation. With the disbursement of funds commencing on Monday, December 22, 2025, this cycle represents a continued commitment to poverty alleviation and social safety nets. This article provides a detailed analysis of the 99th cycle, the financial allocations, the beneficiary coverage, and the broader implications for Ghana’s social protection landscape.

Key Points

Background

The History of LEAP

The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) is a flagship social protection programme in Ghana. It was introduced to provide cash transfers to extremely poor households, helping them meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living. The programme is designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by increasing household consumption and investment in human capital, such as education and health.

The “Reset Agenda”

During the announcement of the 99th cycle, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, explicitly linked the LEAP programme to the government’s “Reset Agenda.” While specific details of the Reset Agenda are broad, in the context of social protection, it signifies a renewed focus on economic stability, social equity, and the restructuring of government interventions to be more impactful and efficient. LEAP serves as a primary vehicle for achieving these social objectives.

Operational Framework

LEAP operates through a collaboration between the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development at the local level, and private payment service providers. The selection of beneficiaries is based on a national household registry and poverty profiling to ensure that the funds reach the most deserving citizens.

Analysis

Financial Impact of the 99th Cycle

The release of GH¢139,329,463.37 for the 99th cycle is a substantial injection of liquidity into the local economy. By targeting 350,580 households, the government is not only providing direct support to the poor but also stimulating economic activity at the grassroots level. Beneficiaries typically spend these funds on essential goods and services such as food, healthcare, and school supplies, which supports local markets and small businesses.

Timing and Social Relevance

The decision to disburse funds on December 22, 2025, is strategically significant. This timing coincides with the festive season, a period characterized by increased household expenditure. By providing financial support during this time, the government aims to alleviate the financial pressure on vulnerable families, allowing them to celebrate the holidays with dignity and meet their basic needs.

Scaling Up: The GH¢1.1 Billion Allocation

The Minister’s revelation that the Ministry of Finance has allocated GH¢1.1 billion to the LEAP programme marks a historic high in funding since the programme’s inception. This increased allocation demonstrates a strong political will to sustain and expand the social safety net. The plan to expand coverage to 400,000 households in 2026 indicates that the government is moving from stabilization to expansion, aiming to close the poverty gap for a larger segment of the population.

Practical Advice

For Beneficiaries

Households currently enrolled in the LEAP programme or those awaiting verification should take note of the following:

• Ensure Accessibility: Ensure that your mobile money accounts or designated payment points are active and accessible.
• Verify Information: Keep your identification and registration details up to date with local Community Focal Persons to avoid delays in future cycles.
• Utilize Funds Wisely: As recommended by the Ministry, prioritize spending on health, nutrition, and education for children to maximize the long-term impact of the grant.

For Stakeholders and Partners

The Minister has called on traditional authorities, faith-based organizations, and civil society to support the programme’s sustainability. Potential partners can contribute by:

• Assisting in community sensitization to ensure accurate data collection.
• Monitoring the utilization of funds to ensure transparency.
• Providing complementary services, such as financial literacy training, to help beneficiaries manage their grants effectively.

FAQ

Conclusion

The commencement of the 99th cycle of the LEAP money bills underscores the Government of Ghana’s dedication to social protection and poverty reduction. With a record-breaking allocation of GH¢1.1 billion and plans to expand coverage to 400,000 households in the coming year, the LEAP programme remains a critical pillar of the nation’s social policy. By providing timely financial assistance to 1.5 million Ghanaians during the festive season, the government is taking concrete steps to reset the economy and ensure that the most vulnerable citizens are not left behind.

Sources

• Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP): Official Press Briefing on the 99th LEAP Cycle.
• Government of Ghana: Official statements regarding the “Reset Agenda” and Social Protection Schemes.
• Ministry of Finance: Budgetary allocations for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.