One hundred and fifty-three of Ghana's 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) scored at least 50% in the 2025 Public Financial Management Compliance League Table (PFMCLT). This represents a significant improvement from 2024, when only 87 MMDAs achieved this benchmark. The national average compliance score has also risen to 56.2% in 2025, up from 33% in 2024 and 22% in 2023.
This positive trend indicates a growing adherence to financial regulations and accountability at the local government level. The PFMCLT assesses whether MMDAs comply with public financial management laws by submitting required documents on time, preparing development plans, conducting stakeholder consultations, and producing financial reports. Improved compliance helps ensure that public funds are managed transparently and effectively, benefiting local communities through better service delivery and resource allocation.
This development aligns with Ghana's broader efforts to strengthen public sector accountability and combat corruption. Enhanced financial management at the MMDA level is crucial for the efficient use of public resources, including the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), which supports local development initiatives. Greater compliance can lead to more effective project implementation and improved public trust in local governance structures, contributing to overall economic stability and growth.
Mr. Isaac Owusu, Senior Research Officer at the Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA), presented these findings at a town hall meeting in Tamale. He stated that the assessment focuses on adherence to laws and regulations, not on investigating corruption directly. Mr. Owusu noted that the indicators for the assessment were developed in consultation with key institutions, including the National Development Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance, ensuring a robust and validated framework.
The continued improvement in compliance suggests that ongoing capacity-building efforts and engagements by organizations like the CLGA are yielding positive results. Decision-makers at both national and local levels will likely monitor these trends closely. Sustained compliance is essential for attracting investment, ensuring efficient public service delivery, and maintaining fiscal discipline across all tiers of government. Future assessments will reveal if this upward trajectory can be maintained, further solidifying Ghana's commitment to sound financial governance.