Mr. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, President of the National Association of Local Government Association of Ghana (NALAG), has charged Assembly Members to meticulously oversee the GHS 7.934 billion allocated to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) for 2026. This significant sum represents approximately 90.47 percent of the total fund designated for local government operations. Mr. Adjei emphasized that these public funds must directly translate into meaningful development projects for citizens across the country.
The NALAG President highlighted that the principle of “funds must follow functions” must be intrinsically linked with robust accountability. He asserted that wherever public funds are directed, a corresponding level of accountability must be enforced. This directive aims to prevent misuse or misallocation of resources intended for local development initiatives.
This call for heightened vigilance comes amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and ensure efficient public resource management in Ghana. The effective utilization of these substantial allocations is crucial for addressing critical infrastructure gaps and improving public services at the community level. Ghana's economic stability and growth are heavily reliant on the transparent and effective deployment of such funds, impacting everything from local economies to national development indicators.
Mr. Adjei made his remarks in a statement issued after a two-day workshop in Kumasi. The workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Institute of Local Government Studies, and NALAG. He specifically urged Assembly Members to move beyond merely attending meetings and approving documents, encouraging them to actively engage with their assembly’s budget, annual action plans, and project implementations.
The implications of this directive are far-reaching for local governance and public finance. Assembly Members are now expected to scrutinize financial documents, understand project allocations, and demand explanations when funds or projects do not meet their intended objectives. This increased oversight could lead to more efficient project delivery, reduced corruption, and greater public trust in local government institutions. Decision-makers and citizens alike will be watching to see how these calls for accountability are implemented and what tangible improvements result from this enhanced scrutiny.
Mr. Adjei further stressed that Assembly Members must know their assembly’s budget, annual action plan, allocations, and releases. They must also monitor project implementation to ensure value for residents. He cited the 2026 allocation figures presented at the workshop, noting the GHS 7.934 billion Direct Allocation to MMDAs. He questioned whether citizens could point to improved roads, schools, sanitation facilities, health services, markets, water projects, and economic opportunities as evidence of effective resource use.
The NALAG President reminded all stakeholders that public funds belong to the people and are entrusted to public officials for service delivery and development. He explicitly stated that these resources do not belong to MMDCEs, assembly members, coordinating directors, finance officers, or political parties. Every cedi must be accounted for, he emphasized. He urged Assembly Members not to let political affiliation, personal relationships, or fear deter them from raising legitimate concerns about issues affecting their constituents. The needs of citizens should remain central to local governance, irrespective of political differences. Problems like poor roads, flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and poor sanitation affect all citizens, regardless of their political leanings. He called on all stakeholders to strengthen their oversight responsibilities to ensure public funds are invested into tangible development for the people.