Keta Social Welfare educates communities on LEAP programme enrollment

The Department of Social Welfare in the Keta Municipality has embarked on a community engagement exercise to create awareness about the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme and guide residents on eligibility and enrollment.

Mr. Nii-Ashie Kotey, Unit Head of the Department, explained that LEAP is a government cash transfer initiative designed to support the poorest households with food, health, education, and other basic needs. Eligible groups include orphans and vulnerable children, persons with severe disabilities, the elderly (65+), and pregnant or lactating mothers with infants under one year.

He emphasized that selection is strictly based on data from the Ghana National Household Registry (GNHR), not personal requests or walk-ins. Beneficiary households will receive between GH₵384.00 and GH₵636.00 every two months, depending on the number of qualified members. Payments will be made electronically via E-Zwich to designated caregivers, with strict warnings against giving money to intermediaries.

Beyond cash transfers, beneficiaries also enjoy additional support such as free NHIS registration and renewal, birth certificates for children under 12 months, and free antenatal, postnatal, and child growth monitoring services. Mr. Kotey encouraged beneficiaries to invest funds in education, healthcare, nutrition, and petty trade to improve livelihoods.

The awareness drive has so far covered communities including Abor, Bolove-Nolopi, Sasieme, Asadame, Anlo-Afiadenyigba, and Kedzi, with residents commending the initiative for offering relief to vulnerable households.