Delayed Payments to Social Protection Beneficiaries Causing Distress — Civil Society Platform

The Civil Society Platform for Social Protection has raised concern over prolonged delays in payments to thousands of beneficiaries under key national social protection programmes, warning that the situation is pushing vulnerable households into hardship despite recent economic gains.

In a press statement, the group acknowledged what it described as significant progress by the Government of Ghana in stabilising the economy. It cited improvements in major indicators, including a sharp drop in headline inflation from 23.8% in December 2024 to 3.8% by January 2026, easing of interest rates, and renewed stability of the cedi against major currencies. According to the Platform, these achievements reflect strong fiscal and monetary coordination led by the Ministry of Finance and deserve recognition.

However, the group stressed that while macroeconomic conditions are improving, a serious social protection crisis is unfolding at the household level due to delayed payments under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project Phase 2.

It said approximately 100,000 beneficiaries under the Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) and Productive Inclusion (PI/CLASS) components have not received funds owed to them since early 2025. About 51,000 Productive Inclusion beneficiaries are still awaiting grants after training, while more than 43,000 LIPW workers have outstanding wages across over 1,700 payrolls. The Platform estimates that arrears owed to LIPW beneficiaries alone amount to about GHS 42.5 million.

The statement emphasised that these payments are not discretionary benefits but essential resources that enable families to buy food, access healthcare, pay school fees, and sustain small businesses. It warned that delays are already triggering livelihood disruptions, rising household debt, collapsing enterprises, and growing psychological distress among beneficiaries.

Citing independent studies, including research by IPSOS and the Centre for Social Policy Studies, the Platform noted that the programmes have historically delivered strong results, with most beneficiaries remaining economically active and reporting improved living standards after participation.

It also warned that stalled payments have halted work on more than 600 community infrastructure projects such as dams, feeder roads, and plantations, undermining both employment opportunities and local development.

The Platform urged the government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Finance Ministry, to immediately release outstanding funds, prioritise support for extremely poor households, and provide transparent communication to affected beneficiaries.