The Government has completed the 100th payment cycle under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, providing financial assistance to approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries across the country.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the milestone reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening social protection and reducing extreme poverty.
The Minister announced that a nationwide reassessment of LEAP beneficiaries had identified 226,930 households that have successfully moved above the extreme poverty threshold. He added that the Government is validating and enrolling newly eligible households to ensure support reaches those most in need.
Dr Forson also highlighted progress under the Ghana School Feeding Programme, stating that it currently provides daily meals to more than 4.5 million pupils while sustaining the livelihoods of over 34,000 caterers and cooks nationwide.
According to the Minister, payments covering the first and second terms of the 2025/2026 academic year have been made to support the uninterrupted implementation of the programme.
To improve the quality and safety of school meals, more than 20,000 caterers and head cooks received nutrition training, while over 8,000 schools were inspected to ensure compliance with hygiene and food preparation standards.
The Government said the interventions form part of its broader strategy to strengthen social protection, improve child nutrition and support vulnerable households as it pursues inclusive economic growth.
