Former Local Government and Rural Development Minister Kwadwo Adjei Darko has called for a significant review of Ghana’s local governance system. He proposes removing Members of Parliament (MPs) from receiving a share of the District Assemblies Common Fund. This change would redirect funds to elected Assembly Members.
Mr. Adjei Darko stated that the portion of the Common Fund currently allocated to MPs should instead go to Assembly Members. This reallocation aims to strengthen grassroots development and deepen decentralisation. He argued that MPs do not possess voting rights in District Assemblies, making their current share of the fund inappropriate.
This proposal was made during a keynote address at the Conference of Ashanti Regional Presiding Members in Kumasi. The conference focused on strengthening local governance. Mr. Adjei Darko believes the current arrangement undermines the constitutional principle of decentralisation. It also weakens the vital role of Assembly Members, who directly represent communities.
Ghana’s decentralisation process began in 1988 with the establishment of District Assemblies under PNDC Law 207. Mr. Adjei Darko noted that this initial system transferred responsibilities locally but lacked adequate financial resources. He described this as “deconcentration” rather than genuine decentralisation.
The 1992 Constitution further advanced this process by establishing the District Assemblies Common Fund under Article 252. Article 240 also mandates Parliament to transfer functions, powers, responsibilities, and resources from central government to local institutions. Despite these provisions, Mr. Adjei Darko contends Ghana has not achieved true devolution.
True devolution means local authorities have meaningful autonomy, sufficient resources, and corresponding accountability. Strengthening the financial position of Assembly Members would enable them to respond more effectively to community needs. This would lead to more impactful local development projects.
The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Alfred Asiedu Adjei, urged Presiding Members to set aside political differences. He stressed the importance of prioritising community development. Mr. Asiedu Adjei highlighted that local leadership should be judged by positive impact, not by positions held.
Mr. Asiedu Adjei described Presiding Members as crucial to Ghana’s effective local governance system. Their responsibilities extend beyond chairing Assembly meetings. They also promote accountability, build consensus, and drive development at the grassroots level. He encouraged them to use their positions to strengthen local governance and deliver tangible improvements to their communities.
The proposed changes could significantly alter how development funds are managed and distributed at the local level. It would shift financial power closer to the communities. This move could empower local representatives to address specific needs more directly and efficiently. Observers will watch closely to see if this proposal gains traction within policy-making circles.
The debate over the Common Fund allocation highlights ongoing challenges in Ghana's decentralisation efforts. Ensuring local authorities have both the mandate and the resources is essential for effective governance. This discussion will likely influence future policy decisions regarding local government funding and structure.