DACF, NHIF and More: Ato Forson lists some statutory funds government has released

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that the government has fulfilled all its statutory obligations by releasing payments to key development funds for 2025.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Dr Forson emphasised that the timely disbursement of these funds reflects the government's dedication to fiscal decentralization and the revitalization of the local economy.

District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)

Dr Forson announced that a total of GH¢987,965,073 had been transferred from the Consolidated Fund to the District Assemblies Common Fund as the first quarter allocation for 2025.

“As of yesterday, we have transferred the sum of GH¢987,965,073 from the Consolidated Fund to the District Assemblies Common Fund. This is the first quarter amount due, and the Administrator of the DACF is required to ensure that 80% of this amount is transferred directly to the Assemblies without fail,” he noted.

According to him, each district assembly is expected to receive a minimum of GH¢25 million this year. The funds will be directed towards model markets, health facilities, school infrastructure, potable water, school furniture, administrative support, and the completion of abandoned projects.

“25% of the amount is to be used to construct a model market in each district, 10% for health facilities including two CHPS compounds in rural assemblies, and another 10% for educational facilities such as a KG block, primary school block, and JHS block,” Dr Forson explained.

He continued, “A further 10% will go toward potable water with at least 10 boreholes in rural areas, and 10% for school furniture. The running cost for the assemblies will not exceed 5%, while 20% is dedicated to completing abandoned legacy projects.”

National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)

On the health front, he reported that GH¢2,033,469,607 had been disbursed to the National Health Insurance Fund, covering the first quarter of 2025.

“This disbursement has enabled the National Health Insurance Scheme to settle arrears owed to healthcare providers,” he said. “It has also made it possible to begin implementation of the Free Primary Health Care initiative and the Ghana Medical Care Trust Program, also known as Mahama CARES,” he indicated.

Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund)

In the education sector, the finance minister announced that GH¢2,710,227,947 had been transferred to the GETFund covering January to April 2025.

“As earlier announced in the 2025 Budget, funding for the Free Senior High School programme is now fully under the GETFund,” he noted.

“As a result, the challenges, including feeding, which previously impeded the smooth implementation of the programme, have been resolved through this release,” he added.

Dr Forson urged his fellow lawmakers to monitor the utilization of these funds in their respective districts to ensure that they are used in accordance with the Cabinet guidelines approved by President Mahama.

“Honourable Members are encouraged to monitor the utilization of this amount sent to their respective Assemblies in line with the approved guidelines,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to fiscal discipline and inclusive development.

“These payments clearly reflect our commitment to meet all statutory obligations in priority sectors of the economy,” he added.

JKB/MA

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