ACCRA: In a recent call to action, Ms. Pauliina Sarvilahti, Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion at UNICEF Ghana, emphasized the need for the government to improve the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme. Speaking at a UNICEF Ghana media engagement series in Accra, she highlighted the programme's effectiveness while pointing out existing implementation gaps that need addressing to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Sarvilahti noted that approximately 28 percent of children in Ghana are monetarily poor, with about 73.4 percent experiencing multidimensional poverty. She underscored the deepening disparities and emerging global and local security and environmental issues that exacerbate poverty and deprivation among children. UNICEF-Ghana, she mentioned, is working closely with the government to bolster child protection and social inclusion policies to eradicate poverty in line with the SDGs. While acknowledging the government's substantial effort s through the LEAP program, Ms. Sarvilahti pointed out the necessity for improvements. She proposed increasing LEAP payments to 20 percent of household consumption, ensuring timely disbursements, and accurately targeting beneficiaries. Additionally, she advocated for expanded coverage to encompass all poor and vulnerable populations. Ms. Sarvilahti emphasized that cash transfers have effectively reduced poverty, dispelling myths that such transfers lead to violence or discomfort in households. She noted that cash transfers empower women to manage their homes better, thereby reducing inter-partner violence and stress, which ultimately benefits children. In a related discussion, Ms. Mariana Madeira, the Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the importance of global collaboration to combat poverty and hunger. She shared Brazil's experience with similar cash transfer programs and called for a stronger partnership with the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Ms. Madeira stressed the alliance's focus on sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices, aiming to enhance market access and food security. Ms. Madeira encouraged Ghana to join the Global Alliance, emphasizing Brazil's willingness to share its expertise in cash transfer programs like Bolsa Família, which has proven effective in Brazil's social intervention initiatives. She reiterated Brazil's commitment to contributing to global efforts in eradicating hunger and poverty.