Ghana’s commitment to expanding social protection coverage through digital innovation was on display during a high-level monitoring visit by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
The Minister visited Osu in the Korle Klottey Constituency of Accra, on 6th August, 2025, to observe the pilot phase of mobile money payments under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.
According to the Minister, the initiative is a significant component of the government’s agenda to improve transparency, inclusion, and efficiency in the delivery of financial assistance to the most vulnerable citizens.
Describing the pilot as a “bold and transformative step,” the Minister emphasized that mobile money adoption allows the government to transfer funds more directly and securely to qualifying households.
“Mobile money, as a widely adopted tool for financial inclusion in Ghana, enables us to reach our people directly and securely.
“This pilot is not just about payments, it’s about testing the efficiency of our operational systems, identifying potential challenges, and collecting real-time feedback to ensure a smooth national rollout.”
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
The LEAP initiative, Ghana’s flagship social protection programme, provides cash support every two months to households classified as extremely poor. Incorporating mobile money is a major leap in modernizing this system in line with the government’s broader digitalization agenda.
Hon. Lartey stressed that the digital shift aligns with national goals to reduce poverty and ensure accountability.
“This transition is part of our commitment to a digital, inclusive, and transparent delivery system that ensures resources reach the right beneficiaries efficiently. We are building a system that reflects the dignity and value of every Ghanaian, especially the most vulnerable.”
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
A major highlight of the Minister’s announcement was the recent enactment of the Ghana Social Protection Bill, which was passed by Parliament on July 31, 2025.
The new law establishes a comprehensive legal framework to guide the coordination and implementation of national social protection initiatives.
According to the Minister, this development is expected to strengthen programmes such as LEAP, ensuring they operate within a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable structure that benefits both current and future generations.
LEAP Reassessment Aims To Improve Targeting, Social Protection
Furthering this vision, the Ministry, in partnership with the Ghana National Household Registry (GNHR), has commenced a countrywide reassessment of LEAP beneficiaries.
The effort is geared towards validating household data, correcting targeting errors, and ensuring that only those who meet the eligibility criteria remain on the list.
Accordingly, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey commended the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama for steering social protection policy in a direction that goes beyond welfare.
“Under his leadership, we are expanding and prioritizing interventions that address poverty, inequality, and vulnerability in all forms. Social protection under this administration is not charity; it is a pillar of national development.
“There are people who clearly meet the criteria but have not been captured in the data, and therefore are not receiving the support they deserve.”
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
She encouraged current beneficiaries of the programme to help raise awareness within their communities. Emphasizing the importance of being captured in official records, she noted that individuals who are not part of the data cannot receive support.
She highlighted that gaps often exist between the information available and what is known at the community level, and called on beneficiaries to inform others who may qualify but are unaware of their eligibility.
Another key concern raised during the visit came from Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for the Korle Klottey Constituency, who highlighted cases where caregivers collect payments on behalf of vulnerable individuals but fail to deliver the funds. “This is unacceptable,” she asserted.
Encouraging community accountability, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings added, “If there are issues, you can reach out to the district officer or even to my office. You have a voice, and there are channels to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed.”
Both Hon. Lartey and Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings reiterated that the digital overhaul of the LEAP programme is meant to close such loopholes and ensure equitable, secure, and efficient delivery of benefits.
By leveraging technology, enhancing legal frameworks, and encouraging community participation, the government’s evolving approach to social protection aims to reach more Ghanaians, especially the poor and vulnerable, with fairness, dignity, and efficiency.
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