The link between water security and social protection is increasingly seen as crucial for improving the lives and reducing the risks faced by marginalized groups in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explored the interconnections between social protection programmes and complementary water services, and their collective impact on women's economic empowerment, specifically within the context of Ghana’s Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) cash transfer programme. Using data collected from 600 beneficiary households and 600 non-beneficiary households sampled from eight communities across three districts in Ghana, the research evaluated differences in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes and women's economic empowerment indicators between these groups. Using the Empowerment in WASH Index, the study assessed the extent to which LEAP influenced women's decision-making capabilities related to water management, financial autonomy, and community involvement. It also examined the role of cash transfers in alleviating water-related time poverty, a significant barrier to women's economic participation, health, and wellbeing. Findings showed notable differences in water security and women's empowerment outcomes. LEAP beneficiaries demonstrated higher ownership of durable water storage containers compared to non-beneficiaries, and significantly fewer LEAP households reported frequent worries about water sufficiency compared to non-LEAP households. Regarding empowerment in water allocation decisions, females in LEAP households predominantly made decisions about water collection, whereas in non-LEAP households, males were the primary decision-makers. The findings provided compelling evidence that LEAP beneficiaries experienced enhanced economic empowerment, reduced water insecurity, and improved outcomes compared to non-beneficiaries. The findings offer critical insights for integrated policy-making, advocating for the synergy between social protection initiatives and improved water infrastructure to effectively support women's economic empowerment and overall wellbeing in marginalized communities in sub-Saharan Africa.