Linking LEAP to productive inclusion could cut extreme poverty by 2030 – UNICEF

UNICEF has urged Ghana's government to link its Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme with the Productive Inclusion Initiative (PII) to reduce extreme poverty by 2.5 percentage points by 2030. At the launch of the Social Protection Act, 2025, and Social Protection and Affirmative Action Regulations in Accra, the organization highlighted how stronger links between social protection programmes could tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable households.

UNICEF emphasized that when the LEAP and PII programs are combined, they could significantly alleviate poverty, as demonstrated by a young mother struggling with limited income and the high costs of essential services like nutritious food, healthcare, and childcare. The Social Protection Act establishes institutional arrangements and creates a social protection fund, while the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is tasked with implementing the frameworks.

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, pledged to make the laws accessible through clear language and local translations, alongside outreach across regions and districts to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities. The ministry will also strengthen data systems for fair beneficiary targeting, enhance governance of the social protection fund, and establish accessible complaint channels.