LEAP expansion brings relief to 4,372 more vulnerable residents in Jirapa

The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme has expanded in Jirapa Municipality, providing much-needed relief to 4,372 additional vulnerable residents. Among the new beneficiaries is 52-year-old farmer Augustine Tang, who, after suffering a stroke, is now the head of a family unable to work. The extra support will help ease the financial burden on his household, allowing him to provide for his children and aging parents.

The expansion has increased the number of LEAP beneficiaries in Jirapa from 2,553 to 6,932, a major boost for those struggling to afford basic necessities such as food. Jirapa Municipal Chief Executive Peter N. N. To-ang stated that the increased resources will significantly improve the lives of many households, many of whom cannot afford three daily meals.

The enumeration exercise, monitored by To-ang, was conducted by an independent private entity, with local political influence excluded to ensure transparency and accuracy in targeting those most in need. Member of Parliament Cletus Seidu Dapilah explained that the vetting process is designed to identify genuine need, questioning eligibility based on family circumstances rather than assets.

While the expansion is a step in the right direction, local leaders emphasize that more vulnerable households remain outside the programme. Both the MCE and the MP are calling for a further enumeration exercise to hook additional deserving households into the system, with Dapilah already petitioning the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for continued growth.