By Mavis Paintsil, Accra
The Chamber for Local Governance (ChaloG) has called on the government to institutionalize the payment of assembly member allowances by law. This move aims to ensure stability and consistency in the payment of allowances beyond political cycles.
The Ghanaian government has reaffirmed its dedication to deepening decentralization and reforming local governance systems.
Over 80% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for the first and second quarters has been released to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Speaking at the Second Annual Professor Kwamena Ahwoi Lectures on Decentralisation, Minister for Local Government Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening local governments and district assemblies.
Key Reforms
- Laws are being prepared to return key responsibilities such as sanitation and local development to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
- New initiatives such as public performance forums, “name and praise” and “name and shame” strategies will be introduced to promote responsible governance at the local level.
Expert Insights
- Professor Lord Mensah stressed the importance of empowering qualified personnel to effectively utilize devolved authority.
- A revamped Local Government Service capacity framework, improved staff training and ethics, and automation of local government performance assessments are necessary for effective decentralization
Challenges and Future Directions
- Stakeholders agree that the next phase of reform must focus on fiscal autonomy, institutional accountability, and citizen participation.
- The government must ensure that democracy goes beyond elections and truly reaches the communities it serves.
- NALAG President urged the government to make this commitment a law, emphasizing that it would provide assembly members with the necessary financial support to effectively perform their duties.
- Additional Request
- Inclusion of motorbike provision for assembly members in the 2026 national budget to enhance mobility and effectiveness.
- Stakeholder Perspectives
- Dr. Richard Fiadomor, President of the Chamber for Local Governance (ChaLoG), highlighted the importance of decentralization in ensuring democracy reaches the grassroots level.
- He emphasized the need for fiscal autonomy, institutional accountability, and citizen participation in the next phase of reform.
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