Government pilots mobile money payments for LEAP beneficiaries in 50 districts

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Secretariat, has begun piloting mobile money payments for LEAP beneficiaries in selected districts across the country.

The initiative, currently underway in 50 districts, is aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability, and accessibility of LEAP payments — particularly for beneficiaries in hard-to-reach areas. It forms part of the government’s broader efforts to digitise and modernise social protection delivery.

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, led a monitoring visit to Osu to observe the process and engage with beneficiaries and stakeholders. She described the pilot as a significant step towards building a digital and inclusive social protection system.

“This pilot is helping us remove long-standing barriers faced by our beneficiaries,” Dr. Lartey said. “We are making the system more accessible, secure and efficient — ensuring that every eligible household receives their support with ease and dignity.”

She reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to protecting the aged and vulnerable, noting that social protection remains a key national priority under his administration. The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to reassess and retarget LEAP beneficiaries through the Ghana National Household Registry to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

Additionally, she announced the recent passage of the Ghana Social Protection Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which provides a legal framework for coordinating social protection programmes nationwide.

The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who was present at the event, encouraged beneficiaries to promptly report any payment issues or shortfalls to their district office or her constituency office. She urged them to help identify and connect other eligible individuals to the programme, stressing the importance of community awareness.

Representatives from GhanaPay supported the exercise, offering step-by-step guidance to beneficiaries on how to access and withdraw funds via mobile phones. They also provided training on checking balances, safeguarding mobile money PINs, and reporting irregularities. Officials assured participants that withdrawals through GhanaPay would be free of transaction charges, making the service both convenient and cost-effective.

The mobile money payment pilot is expected to inform the nationwide rollout of digital payment systems for LEAP, aligning with Ghana’s commitment to financial inclusion and poverty reduction.