The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government has concluded its public sittings on the 2024 audit reports of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across all 16 regions of the country.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Maame Pokuah Sawyer, urged all Assemblies to prioritize the completion of abandoned projects, popularly known as “legacy projects,” before initiating new ones.
According to her, this directive aligns with the President’s vision for effective resource utilization, noting that over 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is released to the various MMDAs to support development at the local level.
“The exercise serves as a warning to all of you, including the technocrats,” she cautioned. “Some of you present fake or outdated documents — this will not be tolerated next year,” she added.
Hon. Sawyer further advised Assemblies to strictly adhere to Article 92(1) of the Public Financial Management Act and the disbursement formula of the DACF.
The Committee expressed appreciation to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies that appeared before it during the exercise.
The Committee’s responsibilities include examining issues related to decentralization, local governance, and rural development. It also has the authority to investigate and review the activities and administration of ministries, departments, and agencies under its mandate.
This oversight role extends to proposing legislation, enabling the Committee to play a vital role in shaping policy and strengthening governance at the local level.
Hon. Sawyer also disclosed that the Committee will embark on field visits to some districts to gain firsthand knowledge of the situation on the ground.
