By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Navrongo (U/E), Oct. 22, GNA – Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the Upper East Region have been urged to prioritise ongoing projects and settle outstanding obligations before they introduce new projects in their 2027-2030 composite budgets.
They were also advised to commit at least 20 per cent of their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to capital projects that directly benefit citizens.
The directives form part of key requirements outlined at the 2027-2030 Regional Composite Budget Hearing, held concurrently across the 16 regions from October 12 to 23, 2026, to assess the performance of assemblies and align their spending plans with national development priorities.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, who gave the advice at the regional composite budget hearing in Navrongo, said the exercise was intended to ensure that government policies and community needs were translated into realistic, well-costed and implementable programmes and projects.
“The resources available to us are limited, and we must therefore ensure that they are directed towards priorities that deliver the greatest benefit to our communities,” he said.
He encouraged the Assemblies to prepare their budgets using the Ghana Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) budget models, adhere to approved expenditure ceilings, and ensure that revenue and expenditure projections were realistic.
Mr Atanga emphasised the need for the MDAs to strengthen revenue mobilization, particularly by exploiting opportunities under the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
On procurement, the Minister directed the Assemblies to process all procurement activities through the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, and comply with public financial management, procurement and local government laws.
The Minister further urged the Assemblies and Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to incorporate relevant HIV interventions into their development plans and allocate the necessary resources for implementation.
The hearing, conducted in accordance with Regulation 17(3) of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), also sought to assess the implementation of the 2026 budget, identify achievements and challenges, and examine proposed revenue and expenditure estimates for 2027-2030.
Participants were asked to demonstrate clear links between proposed programmes, policy objectives and expected outcomes, with emphasis on measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
Mr Atanga said budget proposals must reflect realistic priorities and deliver tangible results rather than merely fulfil administrative requirements.
“Our collective objective must be to produce credible budgets that improve service delivery and contribute meaningfully to local and national development,” he said.
Following the hearings, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the region are expected to lead their respective budget committees to finalize their proposals.
The 2027 composite budgets must be approved by the respective General Assemblies and endorsed by the Presiding Members and Coordinating Directors before submission through the RCCs to the Minister of Finance by November 4, 2026.
Mr Atanga called on all assemblies to approach the process with discipline and responsibility to ensure that available resources were channelled towards projects and programmes that respond to the needs of their communities.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]