Enhancing Decentralization: Common Fund must function effectively to accelerate development- Mahama
President of the Republic of Ghana has said that his administration will commit to the effectiveness of the District Assembly Common Fund to empower local government and accelerate national development.
According to him, this move will bolster decentralization and ensure effective governance at the local level.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Michael Harry Yamson, the new administrator of District Assemblies Common Fund, he emphatically stated that the delay in the release of the Common Fund under the NPP’s leadership have undermined local governance operations.
“In addition, successive delays in the release of the fund and in some instances, the failure to remit the constitutionally mandated 5 per cent of total national revenue have severely disrupted local governance operations. These setbacks have led to stalled infrastructural projects, inadequate service delivery and growing frustration among local administrators and communities who depend on this funds for essential development ” he lamented.
He further expressed optimism in Mr. Yamson’s competency, highlighting its role in addressing challenges regarding the Common Fund initiative.
“To address these challenges and restore the District Assemblies Common Fund to its rightful role as a catalyst for local development, we must ensure that its administration is placed in capable hands. The complexity of managing such a critical national resource demands strong financial expertise, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.
” The administrator must not only have a deep understanding of governance and public finance, but also possess the leadership qualities necessary to drive efficiency, enforce compliance and implement Reforms that enhance the funds’ impact. It is with these high standards in mind that I decided to nomiate Mr. Michael Harry Yamson.
“A seasoned strategist and governance expert whose extensive experience makes him well equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and reposition the District administration Common Fund as an effective tool for decentralized development ” Mr. Mahama stressed.
