TEMA, Ghana, 5th October: The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, says the government has transferred a total of GH¢9.1 billion from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) over six quarters.
According to Hon. Ayariga, the transfers are part of the government’s commitment to decentralisation and the principle that “Funds Follow Functions”.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, he said the money is intended to support socio-economic infrastructure and improve living conditions in communities across the country.
He said the government is committed to disbursing not less than 88% of the DACF to MMDAs.
Hon. Ayariga contrasted the current administration’s disbursements with those of the previous administration, stating that only GH¢390 million was directly disbursed to MMDAs in the 2024 fiscal year.
He said that in 2025, the first year of President John Mahama’s administration, more than GH¢5 billion was disbursed to MMDAs.
The Minister said the increased funding had translated into investments in healthcare, education, water, sanitation and other local infrastructure.
He reported that 397 of 566 CHPS compounds and health centres had been completed, alongside 502 of 761 classroom blocks and 3,081 of 4,029 mechanised and hand-pump boreholes.
He further said 97 out of 134 small-town water projects had been completed, with several sanitation-related facilities also completed or ongoing.
Hon. Ayariga said the Ministry had also successfully conducted the ninth cycle of the District Assemblies Performance Assessment Tool for all 261 MMDAs, resulting in an expected transfer of approximately GH¢840 million to the assemblies under the DACF Responsiveness Factor Grant programme.
He added that the government is committed to strengthening local economies through increased investment at the MMDA level.
According to him, the increased flow of resources to local authorities is intended not only to finance infrastructure but also to stimulate economic activity and create jobs within communities.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
