Civil society groups in Ghana are calling for the government to immediately address delays in disbursing Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grants.
These delays, stretching up to four months, are causing severe hardship for the program’s beneficiaries, many of whom rely on the grants for their very survival.
The groups, representing social accountability and social protection, held a press conference in Accra to highlight the plight of LEAP beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries include elderly individuals, orphans, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and people with disabilities.
“The delays significantly undermine trust in the program and its effectiveness,” said Auberon Jeleel Odoom, convenor of the SDG Sub platform Goal 10. “They are particularly harmful during a period of rising inflation and economic instability.”
Mr. Odoom emphasized the importance of regular and predictable cash transfers. These grants help vulnerable households build resilience for future challenges and avoid resorting to desperate coping mechanisms.
The Devastating Impact of Delays
The article details the specific ways in which delays harm different beneficiary groups:
- Elderly people: LEAP grants are often their only source of income, used to purchase food, medication, and other essentials. Delays force them to make impossible choices between basic needs.
- Orphans and vulnerable children: Delays disrupt their education, nutrition, and ability to meet basic needs.
- People with disabilities: Delays worsen their already challenging circumstances and increase their isolation and vulnerability.
- Pregnant and lactating mothers: Delays can lead to malnutrition and health complications for both mothers and infants.
A Call to Action
The civil society groups urge the government to:
- Honor its commitment to timely LEAP payments.
- Take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable Ghanaians.
- Restore confidence in social protection initiatives.
Mr. Odoom stressed that this is a matter of human dignity and the right to a basic standard of living.
LEAP Program Improvements
While acknowledging the delays, the article also highlights positive developments in the LEAP program:
- Increased Grant Amounts: The monthly benefit levels were doubled in the 2023 and 2024 National Budgets.
- Inflation-Based Indexation: This mechanism ensures grants retain their value despite inflation.
Conclusion
Despite these improvements, timely disbursement remains crucial. The article calls for immediate action to ensure LEAP grants reach those who depend on them most.
