Emergency Leap Payment Begins

The Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection through its LEAP Secretariat has begun payment of Emergency LEAP (E-LEAP) Cash Grant to beneficiaries across the country who suffered losses due to natural disasters that struck their communities last year. The E-LEAP payment being the first of its kind under the able leadership of Nana Akuffo Addo, targets victims from the various regions who have been affected by recent natural disasters.

The Emergency LEAP has been designed to cater for people, who have been impoverished by natural disasters such as epidemics, rainstorms, floods, amongst others.

Monitoring the commencement of the nationwide payment session of the E-LEAP at the Jakarayali Community Pay point in Tamale, the Minister for Gender children and Social Protection, Hon. Otiko Afisah Djaba said that the Government of President Nana Addo is committed to reduce poverty in Ghana and ensure that all vulnerable persons are protected and properly catered for. “If we’re fighting for a Ghana beyond aid, then no one should be left out or behind. We need to shield our vulnerable people from harsh economic pressures”, she said.

The Honourable Minister added that the Emergency LEAP payment was in line with the country’s Social Protection mandate to protect all vulnerable and disadvantaged persons in Ghana.

All 1,142 people who were affected by rainstorm and floods in the localities of the Tamale Metropolis, Sagnarigu and Nanumba North Municipalities in the Northern Region, were registered to benefit from the programme.

Nationwide beneficiaries of the E-LEAP include also wave victims in the Keta municipality, Nkwanta South, Prestea/Huni Valley and victims of the Kintampo Waterfall disaster.

An estimated number of about 2,188 people across Ghana will receive payment.

Hon. Otiko Djaba also disclosed that ongoing enumeration in other parts of the country was being done to cover every eligible beneficiary (extreme poor household) unto the LEAP programme.