By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), July 02, GNA – Mr Michael Harry Yamson, the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), has called on Ghanaians to take a keen interest in local governance and actively support community development initiatives, stressing that national progress depends on collective responsibility and citizen participation.
Speaking at the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day celebration in Ho on Wednesday, he said Ghana had made significant democratic and governance progress since independence, particularly under the Fourth Republican Constitution.
He described the Fourth Republican Constitution as a stable framework for national development.
Mr Yamson noted that the DACF, a constitutional body mandated to receive and distribute five per cent of national revenue to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), remained a key instrument for financing grassroots development.
He explained that reforms in the administration of the Fund had improved efficiency, with 80 per cent of allocations now transferred directly to the assemblies to enable them to respond more effectively to local development needs.
He commended Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for what he described as prudent management of the resources, adding that unlike in previous years, allocations were now reaching the assemblies as intended and being utilised for development purposes.
“Our concern today is no longer about the release of funds. The money is available in the Assemblies’ accounts. It has not been misused or diverted. Rather, we want to see accelerated implementation of development projects for the benefit of communities,” he said.
Mr Yamson urged citizens to monitor the activities of their district assemblies and participate in local planning and budgeting processes to ensure development priorities reflected community needs.
He announced the establishment of the Community Partners Fund, a new initiative under the DACF aimed at mobilising financial support from corporate organisations, individuals, the Ghanaian Diaspora, philanthropic institutions and other development partners.
He explained that although the Constitution allows the Fund to receive non-governmental contributions, that provision had not been fully operationalised until now.
According to him, the initiative would provide a transparent platform for individuals and organisations to directly support development projects in communities of their choice, with strict accountability mechanisms under the Public Financial Management Act.
“The Community Partners Fund gives every Ghanaian, whether at home or abroad, the opportunity to invest in the development of their own communities,” he stated, adding that contributors would be able to select specific projects to support.
Mr Yamson said the Fund would soon be officially launched nationwide in collaboration with MMDCEs to encourage broad public participation and awareness.
He also acknowledged ongoing support from development partners, particularly the Governments of Switzerland and Germany, which he said had strengthened local governance and community development.
Touching on recent floods in parts of the country, including the Volta Region, he appealed for support from corporate bodies, civil society organisations, philanthropists and individuals through the Community Partners Fund to aid relief and recovery efforts.
He said many families had lost homes and livelihoods, stressing that national solidarity was essential for rebuilding affected communities.
“This is the time for all of us to demonstrate our commitment to nation-building,” he said.
Mr Yamson expressed optimism that stronger citizen participation, improved financial management and enhanced partnerships would accelerate local development and improve living conditions.
He added that Ghana must continue to demonstrate its capacity to manage its own affairs through unity and shared responsibility.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah