TAMALE: Directors from the Department of Social Welfare and District Information Officers participated in a comprehensive training session aimed at improving the implementation of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program. The workshop, conducted over two days, was designed to equip attendees with the necessary knowledge to effectively disseminate information to LEAP beneficiaries and other stakeholders at the sub-national level, thereby enhancing awareness and understanding of the program. According to Ghana News Agency, the training was organized by the LEAP Management Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Participants from the Bono East, Savannah, Northern, North East, Upper East, Upper West, and Oti Regions attended the event. Mr. Colson Akanbasiam, Head of Communications at the LEAP Management Secretariat, highlighted the workshop's objective to facilitate information access among stakeholders, ensuring the program's benefits are fully utilized. The initiative also aims to empower beneficiaries and community members to assert their rights and hold duty-bearers accountable for the LEAP program. Mr. Akanbasiam noted that the initiative intends to encourage beneficiaries to seek social services, ultimately positioning them to voluntarily exit the program, allowing new participants to enroll. Mr. Jeremiah Ninson Yanney, Head of Management Information Systems at the LEAP Management Secretariat, provided insights into the current scope of the program, which supports 1,470,050 beneficiaries, including 810,549 females and 659,501 males. To enhance operational efficiency, the Secretariat has acquired motorbikes, laptop computers, and tablets for its officers in the implementing districts. Mr. Yanney also mentioned plans to support communities affected by a recent dry spell, with each household set to receive GHc1,000 by the end of October. He emphasized the need for continued stakeholder support to address challenges such as intermittent payment delays for beneficiaries. Madam Lilian Kpelle, Upper West Regional Director for the Department of Social Welfare, expressed confidence that the training would improve operations and ensure that LEAP beneficiaries receive the necessary support to enhance their livelihoods.