Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has instructed the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly to provide full accounts for more than GHS 400,000 disbursed for persons with disabilities. Assembly officials failed to produce detailed expenditure records during a ministerial monitoring exercise on June 10, 2026. This directive underscores a broader effort by the Ministry to enhance transparency and accountability in local government financial management.
The minister's order arose from a monitoring tour of selected assemblies in the Greater Accra Region. This tour specifically assessed how District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocations were used. The DACF mandates that 3% of its funds be set aside for persons with disabilities (PWDs). During the inspection at Ayawaso Central, officials could not immediately show complete documentation for the disability funds. Preliminary records indicated that only GHS 126,000 had been spent from the over GHS 400,000 received.
This incident reflects ongoing challenges in Ghana's public financial management at the local level. District Assemblies Common Fund allocations are crucial for local development projects and social interventions. Ensuring these funds reach their intended beneficiaries without leakage or mismanagement is vital for economic progress and social equity. Previous reports have highlighted inconsistencies in fund utilization across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The current directive reinforces the government's commitment to address these issues systematically.
Minister Ibrahim questioned why such a substantial portion of the funds remained unutilised. He directed the assembly's finance officer to submit all relevant records for scrutiny by June 12, 2026. “The President has given you money for persons with disabilities,” he stated, emphasizing the need for clear accountability. He warned that the monitoring exercise would continue nationwide to ensure prudent financial management. He also stressed that officials failing in their responsibilities would face accountability under administrative frameworks.
This directive signals a potential shift towards stricter oversight in the management of public resources at the local level. Decision-makers in other MMDAs will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their financial records. Markets and public interest groups will watch for how quickly the Ayawaso Central Assembly responds. Further action could involve sanctions or more comprehensive audits, which would impact local government operations and public trust in financial governance. This renewed focus aims to ensure that funds for vulnerable groups are used appropriately. It seeks to prevent further instances of unaccounted expenditure across Ghana's municipal assemblies.