President John Mahama has reiterated his administration’s dedication to enhancing local governance by ensuring the effective management of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
During the swearing-in ceremony of the new DACF Administrator, Mr. Michael Harry Amissah Yamson, the President stressed the importance of financial discipline, transparency, and the timely disbursement of funds to drive grassroots development.
Acknowledging the challenges that have hindered the effective use of the DACF, including delays in disbursements and bureaucratic obstacles that slow local development projects, the President assured that steps would be taken to resolve these issues.
He confirmed that at least 80% of DACF allocations would be directly transferred to districts, ensuring that funds reach local authorities without unnecessary administrative delays.
President Mahama highlighted the crucial role of decentralization in Ghana’s governance, emphasizing that equipping district assemblies with sufficient financial resources is essential for advancing infrastructure, stimulating local economies, and improving vital services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to refining the management of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), ensuring that it is distributed equitably and utilized effectively at the district level.
In a move to enhance the DACF’s efficiency, President Mahama announced the appointment of Mr. Michael Harry Yamson as the new Administrator. Describing Mr. Yamson as an experienced strategist with a strong background in governance and finance, the President expressed confidence in his ability to implement reforms that will improve accountability and transparency.
The President further emphasized that the new leadership’s focus will be on strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the impact of DACF disbursements and prevent financial mismanagement.
In his remarks, Mr. Michael Harry Yamson committed to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in managing the DACF. He reassured stakeholders of his willingness to collaborate with relevant institutions to maximize the fund’s impact and drive grassroots development.
The event, which was attended by key government officials, representatives from local government institutions, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities, marked a significant step in strengthening public trust in the management of the DACF.
With this renewed commitment, the government seeks to ensure that district assemblies are adequately equipped to carry out development projects, create economic opportunities, and improve service delivery for local communities nationwide.
