Assembly members petition MCE over alleged LEAP irregularities in Akatsi South

Four Assembly Members in the Akatsi South Municipality have petitioned the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), alleging financial irregularities, administrative abuse, victimisation, and lack of transparency in the implementation of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme.

The petitioners alleged that an amount of GH¢34,100, earmarked for the payment of allowances to 341 focal persons engaged during the LEAP registration and enumeration exercise in February 2026, had not been disbursed despite assurances that payment would be made.

They also expressed concern over what they described as unexplained reductions in the number of beneficiaries approved to proceed to the E-Zwich registration stage in some electoral areas, particularly after calls for accountability.

Mr Daniel Dagba, the Municipal Chief Executive for Akatsi South, confirmed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that a committee had been constituted to investigate the allegations.

He said the Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr Felix Sagah, had been directed to step aside while investigations were ongoing.

The petition further alleged the existence of a purported “pay-as-you-go” arrangement during the enumeration exercise, under which some individuals were allegedly required to pay GH¢100 before being considered for inclusion in the programme.

The Assembly Members called for a forensic audit of all funds received, withdrawn, and disbursed in relation to the LEAP registration exercise.

They also demanded the publication of the names and payment status of all 341 focal persons, as well as a review of beneficiary approval decisions.

Additionally, they requested the disclosure of the criteria and methodology used in determining beneficiaries approved for E-Zwich registration.

When contacted by the GNA, Mr Sagah declined to comment on the allegations, indicating that a committee had already been tasked to investigate the matter.

The petitioners are Mr Japhet Festus Gbede, Assembly Member for Wuxor, Have and Sremanu Electoral Area; Mr Mawuta Agbeli Prosper, Assembly Member for Alorkpa and Avadzre Electoral Area; Mr Wisdom Akpabli, Assembly Member for Wute Electoral Area; and Mr Kennedy Biedo, Assembly Member for Kpodzivi Electoral Area.

GNA