Delayed payments push vulnerable households into distress-Civil Society Platform

The Civil Society Platform for Social Protection is sounding the alarm over the government's delay in payments to approximately 100,000 beneficiaries under the Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) and Productive Inclusion (PI/CLASS) programmes.

Despite Ghana's economic progress, with inflation dropping to 3.8% in January 2026, vulnerable households are struggling due to unpaid benefits.

These programmes support thousands of vulnerable individuals, providing survival resources and pathways out of poverty. Delays have severe consequences, including livelihood disruptions, collapsing small enterprises, and growing indebtedness. Beneficiaries report frustration, anxiety, and loss of hope. 

Outstanding Payments:

- 51,000 Productive Inclusion beneficiaries have been awaiting grants since February 2025

- 43,000 LIPW beneficiaries await wages for manual labour

- GHS 42.5 million owed to LIPW beneficiaries

The government is urged to:

- Immediately release outstanding payments

- Prioritise funding for extreme poverty programmes

- Provide transparent public communication

- Protect Ghana's social protection system integrity