UNICEF says linking LEAP to inclusion schemes could cut poverty

UNICEF has called for the integration of Ghana's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme with the Productive Inclusion Initiative (PII) to accelerate the country's fight against indigence. This recommendation, presented during the launch of the Social Protection Act, 2025, in Accra, suggests that such a strategic alignment could reduce extreme poverty by 2.5 percentage points by 2030. The international body emphasizes that while cash transfers are vital, combining them with economic empowerment schemes creates a more sustainable path for vulnerable households.

During the launch event, UNICEF officials highlighted that low-income families often face interconnected challenges that require a multifaceted response. By bridging LEAP with productive inclusion measures, the state can move beyond temporary relief to provide tangible support that builds resilience and self-reliance among the poor. This approach aims to address the root causes of economic vulnerability rather than just mitigating its symptoms through periodic stipends.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and the Sector Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, both pledged the government's commitment to enhancing program access and ensuring effective implementation. Dr. Lartey noted that the ministry is focused on refining its targeting mechanisms to ensure that social aid reaches the intended beneficiaries accurately. The government intends to leverage the new legal framework provided by the Social Protection Act to streamline these interventions and improve overall living standards.

The passage of the Social Protection Act, 2025, marks a significant milestone in formalising the nation's welfare systems. As Ghana works toward its 2030 poverty reduction targets, the focus is expected to shift toward monitoring the impact of these integrated services. The collaboration between the Ghanaian government and international partners like UNICEF remains central to ensuring that social protection policies translate into measurable improvements for the country's most vulnerable citizens.