PILOTING OF MOBILE MONEY PAYMENTS FOR LEAP BENEFICIARIES

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Secretariat, commenced the piloting of mobile money payments under the LEAP Programme.

As part of the rollout, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, led a monitoring visit to Osu to observe the process and engage with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

The pilot, currently taking place in 50 districts, aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and accessibility of LEAP payments, particularly for beneficiaries in hard-to-reach areas.

Describing the initiative as a major step towards building a digital and inclusive social protection system, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s unwavering support for the aged and vulnerable in society, noting that social protection remains a national priority under his leadership.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, the Honourable Minister emphasised the significance of the pilot initiative in enhancing service delivery and improving the overall beneficiary experience.

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

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. She further announced the recent passage of the Ghana Social Protection Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which provides a legal framework for coordinating social protection programmes across the country.

The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who was also present, urged beneficiaries to report any issues related to payment or shortfalls to the district office or her office. She further encouraged them to help others who may qualify for support by connecting them with the appropriate authorities, stressing the importance of spreading the word about the programme.

Officials from GhanaPay were also on hand to support the exercise, taking beneficiaries through a step-by-step process on how to access and withdraw their funds safely using their mobile phones. Beneficiaries were guided on how to check balances, protect their mobile money PINs, and report any irregularities.

They were also informed that withdrawals made through GhanaPay are completely free of any transaction charges, making the service both convenient and cost-effective.

Source: MoGCSP