The Akatsi South Municipal Assembly has suspended its Acting Director of Social Welfare, Felix Sagah, following allegations of delayed LEAP payments. This suspension addresses claims that GHS 34,100 meant for 341 focal persons has not been disbursed. These individuals supported the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.
The suspension resulted from a petition by affected focal persons, many of whom are also Assembly Members. They reported that payments for their participation in identifying and re-enrolling vulnerable beneficiaries in April 2026 remained outstanding. The funds were specifically allocated for their work under the LEAP programme.
This incident reflects broader concerns about the efficiency and transparency of social intervention programmes in Ghana. The LEAP programme aims to alleviate poverty by providing cash transfers to extremely poor and vulnerable households nationwide. Delays in payments to those administering the programme can hinder its effectiveness and erode public trust. Such issues often highlight systemic challenges in financial management at the municipal level, affecting thousands of vulnerable citizens who rely on these lifelines.
Akatsi South Municipal Chief Executive, Daniel Dagba, confirmed the suspension. Mr. Dagba indicated that Mr. Sagah initially claimed the funds were on his E-Zwich card and would be disbursed within two weeks. Mr. Dagba stated, “He said he had the money on his E-Zwich card and was going to withdraw it in two weeks to pay them. April passed, May passed, and we are now in June.”
The Assembly has formed a committee, chaired by its Internal Auditor, to investigate the matter. The committee will verify payment records and determine if the focal persons received their allowances. If the committee finds that payments were not made, Mr. Sagah will be responsible for ensuring the outstanding GHS 34,100 is paid. This investigation underscores the Assembly’s commitment to financial accountability and the proper execution of social welfare programmes.
The outcome of this investigation will likely influence future administrative practices for social intervention schemes in Akatsi South. Decision-makers and the public will watch closely to see how the Assembly ensures that vulnerable beneficiaries and programme facilitators receive timely payments. This situation could also lead to stricter protocols for financial oversight within municipal assemblies across Ghana, particularly for programmes involving significant public funds. It highlights the importance of robust internal controls to prevent payment delays and uphold public confidence in government initiatives.