Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister of Ghana has announced government’s pledge to greatly extend the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) program, including all 2.5 million severely poor people by 2024. This courageous program aims to give crucial help to those who are most vulnerable in society, reflecting the government’s long history of compassion and concern for the impoverished.
Minister Ofori-Atta pointed out the government plans to raise social spending in order to strengthen social protection and protect the weak and destitute from the potential effects of changes to the national economic program.
According to the finance minister, the proposed expansion of LEAP will entail a substantial increase in social spending, allowing for enhanced coverage and improved support for those living in extreme poverty.
Under the 2023 Budget, the government made specific provisions to double the monthly LEAP payment per beneficiary household from ¢45 to ¢90. This progressive increase in financial aid will provide tangible relief to impoverished households and offer greater financial stability to those struggling to make ends meet.
Moreover, the number of beneficiary households will witness a significant surge from the current 344,185 to ensure the program reaches its ambitious target by 2024.
According to plans revealed by the finance minister, the school feeding program will receive additional funding, which will be used to address rising meal prices and ensure more effective management of the program.
Recognizing the critical role that adequate nutrition plays in facilitating learning outcomes and fostering educational success, the government, he said, is committed to providing a supportive environment for school-going children, adding that the increased budgetary allocation will help maintain the quality and effectiveness of the School Feeding Programme, benefitting numerous students across the country.
Reviving Education Through Capitation Grant
According to the finance minister, the government intends to incrementally raise the Capitation Grant over time as part of broader measures to improve foundational learning.
He noted that by allocating more resources to education, particularly at the early stages, the government seeks to enhance the quality of education and ensure that every child in Ghana has access to a solid educational foundation.
Mr. Ofori Atta unveiled that he increased Capitation Grant will enable schools to invest in better infrastructure, educational resources, and teacher training, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes nationwide.
Finance Minister Ofori-Atta expressed confidence in the country’s financial stability and stressed that the expansion of social protection programs and educational funding would be implemented in a sustainable way, supported by prudent fiscal policies.
The government remains committed to sound fiscal management and strategic resource allocation in the pursuit of these goals.
With the expanded LEAP program, increased investment in the School Feeding Programme, and incremental growth of the Capitation Grant, Ghana takes a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous society, laying the foundation for a brighter future for all.
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