President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) against diverting funds earmarked for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to other purposes.
He reminded the Assemblies that five per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund is specifically allocated to Persons with Disabilities and must be released for its intended beneficiaries.
President Mahama issued the caution during an inspection of the Poyetanga 24-Hour Economy Market on the second day of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region.
He said the government’s decision to decentralise development resources was intended to empower local authorities to respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.
The President disclosed that 80 per cent of the Common Fund is now being transferred directly to the districts, with the Minister for Finance commended for ensuring that the releases were made promptly.
He said the funds were being accompanied by clear guidelines on priority areas such as CHPS compounds, classroom blocks, sanitation facilities and other essential infrastructure.
President Mahama, however, stressed that the portion allocated to PWDs must be protected and used to support the intended beneficiaries.
“I want to remind every Assembly to release the funds meant for Persons with Disabilities and not divert them for any other purpose,” he said.
The President said the government would continue to strengthen decentralisation to ensure that development resources reached local communities and were used to address their most pressing needs.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭