Akatsi South, June 20 – In a bold move to hold local authorities accountable, four Assembly Members from the Akatsi South Municipality have formally petitioned the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Daniel Dagba, over what they describe as financial mismanagement, administrative malpractice, victimisation, and a complete lack of transparency in the implementation of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme.
The petition, submitted on behalf of vulnerable communities, highlights systematic irregularities that have undermined the integrity of the programme, leaving beneficiaries—particularly those involved in the February 2026 LEAP registration and enumeration exercise—in limbo. The Assembly Members demand urgent corrective measures, including a full forensic audit of all funds allocated, disbursed, and withdrawn under the programme.
Key Allegations and Demands
1. Unpaid Allowances to Focal Persons
The petitioners allege that GH¢34,100, intended for the payment of allowances to 341 focal persons engaged during the LEAP registration process, remains unpaid despite repeated assurances from municipal authorities. These focal persons, who played a critical role in identifying and enrolling beneficiaries, have been left without compensation, raising concerns about exploitation and neglect of frontline workers.
“This is not just about unpaid salaries; it’s about the erosion of trust in our local governance structures,” stated Mr. Japhet Festus Gbede, Assembly Member for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area, one of the petitioners.
The Assembly Members have demanded the immediate release of these funds and the public disclosure of the payment status of all 341 focal persons, including their names and respective electoral areas.
2. Suspicious Reductions in Beneficiary Approvals
Another major concern raised in the petition is the unexplained reduction in the number of beneficiaries approved for the E-Zwich registration stage in certain electoral areas. The petitioners argue that political interference or administrative bias may have influenced these decisions, particularly after public calls for accountability were made.
“We have seen cases where entire communities were arbitrarily excluded from the next phase of the programme,” said Mr. Mawuta Agbeli Prosper, Assembly Member for Alorkpa and Avadzre Electoral Area. “This is not how a poverty alleviation programme should operate. Transparency is the cornerstone of LEAP, and its absence is costing lives.”
The petitioners have urged the MCE to review all beneficiary approval decisions and reveal the criteria and methodology used to determine eligibility for E-Zwich registration. They also called for electoral area-wise breakdowns of approved and rejected applicants to ensure fairness.
3. Allegations of a “Pay-to-Register” Scheme
One of the most shocking revelations in the petition is the claim that some individuals were forced to pay GH¢100 before being considered for inclusion in the LEAP programme during the enumeration exercise. This pay-as-you-go arrangement, if true, would constitute a direct violation of the programme’s principles, which are designed to support the most vulnerable without financial barriers.
“This is not poverty alleviation; this is extortion,” condemned Mr. Wisdom Akpabli, Assembly Member for Wute Electoral Area. “The LEAP programme was meant to uplift the poor, not impose additional financial burdens on them.”
The petitioners have demanded an investigation into these claims, including interviews with affected individuals and documentary evidence of any such transactions.
4. Request for a Forensic Audit and Accountability Measures
To restore confidence in the LEAP programme, the Assembly Members have formally requested:
– A full forensic audit of all funds received, withdrawn, and disbursed during the 2026 registration and enumeration process.
– The immediate suspension of the Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr. Felix Sagah, pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
– The publication of all financial transactions related to LEAP, including bank statements, receipts, and beneficiary lists.
– Strict penalties for any officials found guilty of financial misconduct or administrative abuse.
“We are not just asking for answers; we are demanding justice for the people of Akatsi South,” stated Mr. Kennedy Biedo, Assembly Member for Kpodzivi Electoral Area. “The LEAP programme is a lifeline for many, and its failure to deliver on its promises is a betrayal of public trust.”
Municipal Response: Committee Formed to Investigate
In response to the petition, Mr. Daniel Dagba, the MCE of Akatsi South, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and confirmed the formation of an investigative committee to probe the matter.
“We take these allegations very seriously,” Dagba told the Ghana News Agency (GNA). “A committee has been constituted to thoroughly examine the claims, and we will ensure that all findings are made public. Additionally, I have directed the Municipal Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Felix Sagah, to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.”
When contacted by the GNA, Mr. Felix Sagah declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the investigative process is ongoing and that any further statements would be made only after the committee’s report is submitted.
Petitioners Call for Immediate Action
The four Assembly Members—Mr. Japhet Festus Gbede, Mr. Mawuta Agbeli Prosper, Mr. Wisdom Akpabli, and Mr. Kennedy Biedo—have urged the MCE to act swiftly to prevent further financial mismanagement and administrative abuses.
“The people of Akatsi South deserve better,” Gbede emphasized. “We are not just petitioning; we are demanding systemic reforms to ensure that the LEAP programme operates with the transparency and accountability it was designed for.”
The petitioners have also called on the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to monitor the investigation closely and ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent future irregularities.
Broader Implications for LEAP Programme Integrity
The allegations in Akatsi South raise serious concerns about the implementation of LEAP across Ghana, a programme that has been praised for its potential to reduce poverty but has also faced criticisms over bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption.
“If these allegations are proven true, they could undermine public confidence in LEAP nationwide,” said a senior social welfare official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The programme’s success depends on its ability to reach the most vulnerable without unnecessary red tape or financial exploitation.”
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) will continue to monitor developments in Akatsi South and provide updates on the investigation’s progress, including findings from the forensic audit and any disciplinary actions taken against officials found responsible.
Assembly Members during a press conference in Akatsi South, demanding accountability for LEAP irregularities.
A snapshot of the petition submitted to the Municipal Chief Executive, highlighting key demands for transparency.
Focal persons engaged in the LEAP registration exercise, whose unpaid allowances have become a major point of contention.