By Celestine Avi
President John Mahama, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the new DACF Administrator, emphasized the need for financial discipline, transparency, and timely disbursement of funds to accelerate grassroots development.
He has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance by ensuring the efficient management of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
The President acknowledged the challenges that have hindered the effective utilization of the DACF, including delays in disbursement and bureaucratic bottlenecks that slow down local development projects.
To address these concerns, he assured that at least 80% of DACF allocations would be directly transferred to districts, ensuring that funds reach local authorities without unnecessary administrative delays.
Highlighting the critical role of decentralization in Ghana’s governance structure, President Mahama stressed that empowering district assemblies with the necessary financial resources is key to improving infrastructure, boosting local economies, and enhancing essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation.
He reiterated that his administration remains committed to streamlining the fund’s management to ensure equitable distribution and effective utilization at the district level.
As part of efforts to improve the DACF’s efficiency, President Mahama announced the appointment of Mr. Michael Harry Yamson as the new Administrator. He described Mr. Yamson as a seasoned strategist with expertise in governance and finance, expressing confidence in his ability to implement reforms that enhance accountability and transparency.
The President emphasized that the new leadership will be tasked with strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of DACF disbursements and curb financial mismanagement.
In his remarks, Mr. Michael Harry Yamson pledged to uphold transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the administration of the DACF. He assured stakeholders of his readiness to collaborate with relevant institutions to maximize the fund’s impact and drive development at the grassroots level.
The event, attended by key government officials, representatives from local government institutions, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities, marked a significant step toward reinforcing public confidence in the management of the DACF.
With this renewed commitment, the government aims to ensure that district assemblies are adequately resourced to implement development projects, create economic opportunities, and enhance service delivery for local communities across the country.
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