Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has pledged to eliminate delays in the release of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), a longstanding issue that has hampered development at the district level.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Banda Member of Parliament emphasized the need for timely disbursement of the fund, describing it as critical to the success of local governance. He assured that such delays, which have plagued successive governments, would no longer hinder progress under his leadership.
Citing past instances in 2014 and 2024 where third- and fourth-quarter payments were delayed, Mr. Ibrahim highlighted the adverse effects these delays have had on local development. “Whether you win or lose elections, you pay the price,” he remarked, stressing that a government committed to success must empower District Chief Executives (DCEs) with the necessary resources to deliver results.
Drawing on his eight years of experience on the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, Mr. Ibrahim promised to work closely with the incoming Common Fund Administrator to ensure prompt and efficient disbursement. He called for a “radical shift of mindset” at Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), advocating for a more proactive approach to local development.
“I can build an entire district. You cannot have a single building in a district and claim it cannot be maintained within its jurisdiction,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and resourcefulness at the local level.
To strengthen policy direction, Mr. Ibrahim announced plans to consult with former ministers, including Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Kwamena Ahwoi, and Alima Mahama, leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and reform in local governance.
His vision underscores a commitment to ensuring efficiency, empowering local authorities, and addressing long-standing challenges in the DACF system.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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