At the maiden National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance in Accra, Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has admonished Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strictly observe accountability regimes in the use of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Speaking under the theme “Resetting Decentralisation for Responsive Local Governance and Effective Service Delivery,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the government’s decision to disburse over GH¢2 billion to MMDAs, despite a tight fiscal environment, demonstrates its commitment to deepening local governance.
“Our reset agenda puts decentralisation at the heart of national development … as the government works to improve the disbursement of resources to the MMDAs, they must see to it that the resources are used responsibly so that decentralisation translates into tangible improvement in the lives of people,” she stated.
The Vice-President reminded MMDAs that rising resource flows must translate into tangible results at the grassroots, noting that a new National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy (2026–2030) is being developed to clarify devolved powers and responsibilities.
She said 80% of the DACF is now paid directly to MMDAs under the Reset Agenda to reduce bottlenecks and strengthen autonomy, while stressing that community voices must shape local development choices.
Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim called for closer collaboration among MMDCEs, RCCs, and traditional leaders, while IMCCD Executive Secretary Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia welcomed the dialogue as a chance to confront governance constraints.
Public commentary has been mixed, with some hailing the push for accountability and deeper decentralisation, and others cautioning that strict central spending directives could clash with local needs.
Source: myxyzonline.com/J.W Quarm
