Minister tackles Ayawaso Central Officials over missing Disability Fund

An interaction between the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, and officials of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly turned tense after those responsible for overseeing social welfare and disability-related programmes were unable to state how much the assembly had received under the Disability Fund.

The incident occurred during a stakeholder engagement in the constituency, where the minister was discussing transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to persons with disabilities.

During the exchange, Ibrahim repeatedly asked assembly officials and members of the Social Services Committee to disclose the amount the assembly had received from the fund.

However, the officials appeared unable to provide the figures.

“You are in charge of social welfare? Do you have the leadership of persons with disability in the assembly? Do you have an assembly member for social welfare?” he asked before directing questions to officials responsible for the sector.

He further demanded a breakdown of allocations received throughout the year.

“How much was received in the first quarter? Second quarter? Third quarter? Fourth quarter?” he asked.

Ibrahim’s questioning followed discussions over reports that the assembly had received more than GH¢126,000 under the fund.

When officials failed to provide clarity on the amount received, he expressed concern over the apparent lack of awareness.

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Ibrahim explained that funds allocated to persons with disabilities are now transferred directly into dedicated accounts and are no longer combined with other assembly funds, making it easier for assemblies to track the resources.

“You open separate accounts for persons with disability. Direct from Accra, we put it there. So, you know how much is there,” he indicated.

He argued that assembly members are entitled to full information on all funds received by their assemblies and should not have to request access to such details.

“The assembly members constitute the assembly, and they are responsible to know everything. They will not beg you. They are entitled to know,” he stated.

According to him, transparency at the local government level is critical in preventing corruption and ensuring that funds meant for vulnerable groups reach their intended beneficiaries.

Ibrahim also revealed that government has increased the allocation to persons with disabilities from 3 per cent to 5 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund.

He disclosed that GH¢268 million was disbursed under the programme in 2025, while GH¢438 million is expected to be released in 2026.

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