Increase LEAP by 50% next year – SEND GHANA

A Civil Society Organisation, SEND GHANA, wants government to make social protection and the welfare of the vulnerable in society, a key component in the budget statement and economic policy of government for the 2019 financial year.
The Finance Minister, per the constitution of the Republic of Ghana and provisions in the Public Financial Management Act, PFMA is required to present the fiscal policy of government on or before the end of November each year for the subsequent year.
In a post- budget analysis of the 2018 budget, SEND GHANA bemoaned the huge cuts in the allocations to sectors across the board; although education had a major boost due to the Free SHS policy. The organisation was particularly concerned with the cuts to the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection.
At a Town hall meeting to consolidate citizens inputs into the 2019 budget, Programmes Coordinator of SEND GHANA, Harriet Nuamah Agyemnang requested the Ministry of Gender and Social protection to increase the LEAP amount to single households by 50%.
She argues that since the payments are made every other month, the increase will provide some buffer for the beneficiaries in the face of prevailing economic challenges. Madam Nuamah Agyemang also called for an expansion of the program as well as the creation of more payment centres to fast track payments
Meanwhile, the Acting Director at the department of Children at the Ministry of Gender and social protection, Florence Ayisi Quartey has indicated, that there is a conscientious effort to increase the amount by a reasonable percentage next year. She said there are ongoing negotiations between the Ministry of Finance and some key development partners in that regard, adding however, that it will not be fifty percent.
Florence Ayisi Quartey is the Acting Director of Children at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Story by: Nana Agyeman- Prempeh