Government to give assemblies direct access to over 80% of DACF

The government is set to transfer more than 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as part of efforts to strengthen local governance and accelerate development at the grassroots level.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the move during a stakeholder engagement on the implementation of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (NDPS) 2026–2030 at Jubilee House in Accra.

According to him, the decision is aimed at giving assemblies greater financial autonomy and enabling them to respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.

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Debrah said the policy reflects the government's commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening local governance institutions, and promoting inclusive development across the country.

"The success of decentralisation depends on strong partnerships and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders," he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, described the approval of the policy as a major step forward but stressed the need for effective implementation to ensure citizens fully benefit from it.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, also disclosed that the government is considering reforms that would allow for a more democratic process in the selection of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

On behalf of the development partners, the Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Janine Walz, welcomed the policy and called for stronger accountability, enhanced citizen participation, and greater financial independence for local assemblies.

The National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework is expected to guide Ghana's decentralisation agenda over the next five years by strengthening local governance structures, improving service delivery, and empowering local authorities to drive sustainable development within their respective jurisdictions.

NA/MA