NDC Urges President Akufo-Addo to Release Pending District Assemblies Common Fund

Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his responsibilities by promptly releasing the outstanding District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

Highlighting the detrimental impact of the delayed disbursement on development in various regions, Mr. Nketia stressed the crucial role these funds play in fostering development across districts, municipalities, and metropolitan areas.

In a statement on Monday, January 8, 2023, Mr. Nketia urged the government to release the overdue funds, allowing local government functionaries to carry out their duties effectively. He expressed the belief that addressing this issue is essential for comprehensive societal development.

Even in the eleventh hour, Mr. Nketia suggested, “Even in the dying moments when Nana Addo is on the cross, he can do one thing, to secure some clemency, by releasing the district assemblies common fund and all other funds, so that we can pray for him.”

The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) was established to channel financial resources from the central government to local governments (MMDAs).

Meanwhile, opposition NDC flagbearer John Mahama, after casting his vote in the district assembly elections, pledged to elevate the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) from the existing 5% to 7% if he emerges victorious in the 2024 elections. Emphasizing the importance of decentralization, Mr. Mahama outlined plans to prioritize local governance and enhance development at the district level.

“If God smiles on us, and we win the 2024 elections, we are going to take decentralization seriously, the rest of the ministries seriously, and the rest of the MMDAs that are still centralized. We are going to complete the decentralization so that we truly hand over power to the people at the local government level.”