Eligible Social Categories
LEAP supports four main categories of extremely poor and vulnerable Ghanaians.
Aged 65 and Above
Elderly persons aged 65 years or older who lack productive capacity and do not have adequate household or community support to meet their basic needs.
Severely Disabled
Individuals with severe physical or mental disabilities who cannot engage in productive economic activities and lack sufficient household support.
Orphaned & Vulnerable Children
Households caring for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) — including those affected by HIV/AIDS, extreme poverty, or loss of parents.
Pregnant Women & Nursing Mothers
Extremely poor households with pregnant women or nursing mothers with infants aged 0–18 months qualify for LEAP support.
Important Note on Extreme Poverty
All categories must also meet the general threshold of extreme poverty. Ghana's 8.2% of the population (approximately 2.4 million people) live in extreme poverty. LEAP currently serves over 1.4 million of these individuals. Households are selected using Ghana Statistical Service poverty mapping data and a Proxy-Means Test (PMT).
The Selection Process
A rigorous, evidence-based process ensures that LEAP reaches the most vulnerable households.
Poverty Mapping
Ghana Statistical Service poverty mapping identifies the poorest districts and communities for targeting.
Community Identification
Community members and Community Focal Persons (CFPs) identify potentially eligible households within targeted communities.
PMT Assessment
A Proxy-Means Test (PMT) questionnaire is administered electronically on tablets by trained field officers.
Data Processing
PMT data is processed through the LEAP Management Information System (MIS) to calculate a score for each household.
Threshold Determination
The PMT formula determines which households fall below the qualification threshold for LEAP support.
Enrolment & Payment
Qualified households are enrolled, biometric data captured via e-zwich, and bi-monthly payments begin.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some critics have raised concerns that cash transfers create dependency or reduce incentives to work. LEAP addresses this with strong evidence:
- ✓63% of beneficiaries invest grants in economic activities, demonstrating entrepreneurship rather than dependency.
- ✓62% purchase agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, improving productivity and self-sufficiency.
- ✓Co-responsibility conditions actively promote human capital investment in health and education.
- ✓Regular case management ensures continuous support and monitoring of household progress.
Co-Responsibilities
In exchange for LEAP grants, beneficiary households commit to specific actions that promote long-term wellbeing.
School Enrollment
All school-age children in beneficiary households must be enrolled in public basic schools and maintain regular attendance.
NHIS Registration
All household members must be registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and maintain valid, regularly renewed NHIS cards.
Birth Registration & Immunization
All newborns (0–18 months) must be registered and complete the full schedule of childhood immunizations.
No Child Trafficking
Beneficiary households commit to preventing child trafficking and ensuring children are not involved in any form of exploitative child labor.
Case Management Cooperation
Households must cooperate with Community Focal Persons (CFPs) and Case Management Officers during regular visits and assessments.
NHIS Renewal
Regular renewal of NHIS cards is required to maintain health coverage and continued eligibility for LEAP support.
Payment Structure & History
LEAP payments are determined by household size and have been increased three times since the programme's launch.
| Household Size | 2008–2011 (GH₵) | 2012–Aug 2015 (GH₵) | Sept 2015–Present (GH₵) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Member | 16 | 48 | 64 |
| 2 Members | 20 | 60 | 76 |
| 3 Members | 24 | 72 | 88 |
| 4+ Members | 30 | 90 | 106 |
Payment Method
Payments are made via the e-zwich platform using biometric fingerprint verification through GhIPSS (Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems).
Payment Frequency
Grants are disbursed every two months (bi-monthly). The 100th cycle was completed in February 2026, totalling GH₵320–530 per household.
Grievance Reporting
Payment issues can be reported to Community Focal Persons, District Social Welfare Officers, or the LMS Head Office via toll-free: 0800 800 800.