Ghana's Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development has warned Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) against misusing funds for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The committee, led by Chairperson Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, identified discrepancies amounting to GHS 54 million in the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) accounts of some assemblies. Officials found misusing these funds will face sanctions.
This warning stems from a capacity-building program in Koforidua and an oversight visit to the Eastern Region. The visit aimed to assess how assemblies use DACF, Internally Generated Funds (IGF), the District Development Facility, and the PWD Fund. Proper management of these funds is critical for local development and supporting vulnerable populations across Ghana.
Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, National Democratic Congress MP for Agona East, highlighted the committee's findings. She questioned why some assemblies kept PWD funds idle instead of disbursing them to beneficiaries. The identified discrepancies in DACF accounts ranged from GHS 5 million to GHS 20 million per assembly. Mrs. Sawyerr stated, 'We will investigate the causes of these discrepancies and determine the appropriate measures to address them.'
The committee is committed to ensuring full accountability in managing public funds. They will not hesitate to act against officials who misapply resources meant for vulnerable groups or community development. Deputy Ranking Member Alexander Akwasi Acquah, New Patriotic Party MP for Akim Oda, echoed this sentiment. He stressed the need to 'crack the whip' and hold offenders responsible for misappropriating public funds. He urged assemblies to manage public funds prudently and follow financial regulations to avoid penalties.
The misuse of PWD funds directly affects the socio-economic well-being of disabled individuals. Unexplained discrepancies in the DACF impact essential development projects, including infrastructure and service delivery. This situation also reflects broader challenges in financial oversight and governance within Ghana's local government structures. Continued financial irregularities undermine public trust in local administration and can hinder national development targets.
Moving forward, the committee's investigations will clarify the extent of financial mismanagement and identify responsible parties. The promised sanctions will set a precedent for accountability within MMDCEs. Decision-makers and financial markets will closely watch how these investigations unfold. This will determine if stronger financial controls are implemented to protect public funds and support vulnerable groups effectively. Improved transparency in fund allocation and usage will be crucial for sustained local development efforts.