The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has announced that more than GH¢2 billion has been disbursed nationwide through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office.
She made this known at the opening of a three-day National Dialogue on Decentralization and Responsive Governance in Accra.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening local governance and ensuring that the benefits of decentralization are felt by every Ghanaian, regardless of location.
According to the Vice President, decentralization should not remain a lofty policy statement but must translate into practical improvements in people’s lives.
“To improve the disbursement of resources to our districts, we have ensured that resources are transferred directly to our local governments. So far, over GH¢2 billion has been disbursed through the District Assembly Common Fund to support development initiatives and improve essential service delivery at the community level,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku -Agyemang further emphasized that the government’s approach is anchored on accountability, evidence, and data-driven decision-making to ensure that resources are used responsibly.
Citing examples from other countries such as Uganda, she explained that Ghana’s model of decentralization must equally respond to the unique aspirations of its citizens.
She added that while the disbursement of funds was critical, results alone were not enough, stressing the need for development interventions to align with the needs of communities.
“We must ensure that our development interventions respond to the needs and aspirations of our citizens. Our approach must be data- and evidence-driven so that decentralization becomes a tool for equitable growth and inclusive governance,” she noted.
The dialogue, themed “Resetting Decentralization for Responsive Governance and Effective Service Delivery,” has brought together policymakers, local government experts, civil society organizations, and development partners to reflect on Ghana’s decentralization journey and explore strategies for improved service delivery.
The District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) was established under Article 252 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which mandates that not less than five percent of national revenue be allocated annually for disbursement to the districts.
The fund is intended to bridge development gaps by financing local infrastructure, education, health, sanitation, and other essential projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.
Since its inception, the DACF has served as a vital tool in Ghana’s decentralization process, but challenges such as delayed disbursements and weak accountability mechanisms have often undermined its effectiveness.
The current government says its renewed commitment to transparency and timely disbursement demonstrates a determination to make local governance more responsive and impactful.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
