NALAG president advocates increase in DACF

Konongo (Ash), Sept. 16, GNA - Mr George Kyei Baffour, President of the National Association of Local Authorities Ghana (NALAG), has expressed concern about the amount given to assemblies as their share of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

He said though the DACF played immense role in the budget of the various assemblies, the increasing financial commitments of the assemblies over the years, rendered the fund inadequate. Mr Kyei Baffour, who is also the Presiding Member of the Asante Akim North District Assembly made the observation, when addressing the last session of the assembly at Konongo on Thursday.

He noted that since the introduction of the DACF in 1992, there had been significant increase in population, hence there was the need for an adjustment in the DACF to commensurate the growing financial requirement of the assemblies. He further said that the situation was militating against the smooth operations of the assemblies, compelling them to shelve most crucial development projects for lack of adequate fund. The NALAG president exhorted the out-going assembly members to work hard to return to the assembly, adding that, the mass exit of old members would be detrimental to the effectiveness of the assembly. Mr George Frimpong, the District Chief Executive in an address, commended the assembly members for the dedicated and selfless service they rendered the people during their four-year term. He said the out-going assembly had achieved a lot in the last four years and urged them to put their rich experiences at the disposal of their various communities, even if, they did not return to the assembly. Mr Bright Francis Appiadu, Assembly member for Odumasi Apebouso Electoral Area was awarded a plaque and certificate of merit in recognition of his immense contribution towards the development of the district.

Mr Appiadu had been in the assembly since the introduction of the district assembly concept in 1988 and seeking re-election in the forthcoming elections. 16 Sept. 06