A chorus of concern is rising as the Civil Society Platform for Social Protection calls urgent attention to the government’s prolonged delay in disbursing funds to nearly 100,000 beneficiaries of Ghana’s Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) and Productive Inclusion (PI/CLASS) programmes.
This warning comes at a time when, despite the country’s recent economic gains, highlighted by a drop in inflation to 3.8% in January 2026, thousands of vulnerable households remain in distress as they await overdue benefits.
For many, these programmes are a vital lifeline, offering both immediate survival support and opportunities to escape poverty. The consequences of the delays are already being felt: disrupted livelihoods, collapsing small businesses, mounting debts, and a pervasive sense of frustration and hopelessness among beneficiaries.
According to the Civil Society Platform, the numbers are stark:
51,000 Productive Inclusion beneficiaries have been waiting for their grants since February 2025.
43,000 LIPW participants have yet to receive wages for their manual labour.
The government owes GHS 42.5 million to LIPW beneficiaries alone.
The Platform is urging the government to act without delay by releasing the outstanding payments, prioritising funding for programmes targeting extreme poverty, and maintaining transparent public communication. They stress that prompt action is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s social protection system and restoring hope for those who need it most.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com