Accra, April 20, – Government’s release of GH¢5 billion to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in 2025 marks the highest allocation to local authorities in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has said.
He noted that the direct transfer of 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to the assemblies had significantly strengthened local development financing.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency in Accra, Mr Ibrahim provided a quarterly breakdown of the disbursements: GH¢790.3 million for the first quarter, GH¢1.46 billion for the second quarter, GH¢1.18 billion for the third quarter and GH¢1.59 billion for the fourth quarter.
He said the funds had enabled assemblies to undertake key development projects, including the construction of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, classroom blocks and boreholes, as well as the completion of stalled projects.
According to him, each assembly was required to build at least two CHPS compounds, three classroom blocks and 10 boreholes, while also addressing legacy infrastructure.
Mr Ibrahim disclosed that 25 per cent of the Common Fund had been earmarked for the development of 24-hour economy model markets across the country.
He said as a result of the timely releases, 494 CHPS compounds, 761 classroom blocks, 4,029 boreholes and 2,755 legacy projects were currently at various stages of completion.
Additionally, he said, contracts had been awarded for 261 model markets, with construction already underway in several locations.
The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to deepening decentralisation and empowering local authorities to drive grassroots development.
He said for the first time, the Ministry had allocated over GH¢100 million to pay allowances to assembly members, with total disbursement reaching GH¢107 million in 2025.
Mr Ibrahim also announced that key policy frameworks, including the National Decentralisation Policy and the National Urban Policy, were set for Cabinet approval, alongside the validation of the Environmental Sanitation Policy and related strategies.
He emphasised that the reforms were aimed at strengthening planning, governance and service delivery at the local level.
GHBUSS
April 20, 2026
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