Send Ghana has expressed concern over government’s consistent delays in paying cash grants to households that are dependent on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme (LEAP).

The Deputy Country Director, Dr Emmanuel Ayifah in a statement on Monday noted that the delay is eroding public confidence in the effectiveness of the LEAP to eradicate poverty and address inequality.

In his view, the country's quest to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 10 will be futile should this persist.

“We urge the government to depart from this deviation to safeguard the financial liberties of the poor and vulnerable people who are depending on the cash transfer programme," he said.

Dr Ayifah noted that the delayed payment has resulted in the denial of income to 344,023 households made up of approximately 1.5 million Ghanaians who depend on LEAP for their daily sustenance.

"Governments around the world underscore the effectiveness of safety nets in protecting vulnerable populations in times of pandemics. Therefore, there is no better time for the government of Ghana to prioritize strengthening its social protection delivery than now," he added.