ACCRA, Ghana: The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to ensure that at least 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is transferred directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) is already delivering positive results.
As part of President Mahama’s unwavering commitment to decentralised development, the government has pledged to place adequate financial resources directly in the hands of local governments to strengthen their capacity for economic transformation and community-level development.
A key pillar of this policy is the direct transfer of a minimum of 80 percent of DACF allocations to MMDAs, significantly reducing delays and bottlenecks associated with centralised disbursement.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has explained that the policy goes beyond the release of funds. According to him, Cabinet has approved strict accountability measures and clear expenditure guidelines to ensure that the resources are used efficiently and for their intended purposes.
The guidelines balance immediate community needs with long-term development priorities. Under the approved framework, 25 percent of the funds will be allocated to the construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets to stimulate local commerce and economic activity.
Another 10 percent is earmarked for health infrastructure, with each MMDA required to construct at least two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.
Education development will also receive 10 percent, targeted at the construction of new kindergarten, primary, and junior high school blocks.
In addition, 10 percent of the funds will be dedicated to the provision of potable water, with rural assemblies mandated to drill a minimum of 10 boreholes. Environmental sanitation projects, including solid and liquid waste management, will receive 10 percent, while another 10 percent will be used for the procurement of school furniture.
The remaining 5 percent will cover administrative costs, including monitoring and evaluation, to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective implementation.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, January 14, during the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that the directive for MMDAs to construct at least two CHPS compounds is a critical step toward the rollout of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
The Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP assured that preparations for the construction of the CHPS compounds are far advanced, emphasizing that the initiative will play a central role in fulfilling the government’s promise to begin the nationwide implementation of free primary healthcare.
Listen to Felix Kwakye Ofosu speak on the impact of the DACF direct transfers in the audio below.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭