By Rachel Quartey and Rukayatu Musah
Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for strict accountability in the use of public funds, particularly the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), urging public officials to focus on the real impact of their work on communities and vulnerable institutions.
“We are not a wealthy country but it’s not so much the money you get is how you use it and the impact that the money makes. So we are very very interested in ensuring that um people are are supported to account for what they are doing” she said.
She made the call during a working visit to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as part of her engagements with first-time ministers. The Vice President stressed that Ghana’s development is a shared responsibility and called for unity and collaboration in nation-building.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between government institutions and traditional authorities, noting that Ghana’s governance system is built on both modern and traditional structures which must work together to promote peace and national development.
She commended the ministry for its efforts, describing progress in government as a collective achievement that requires mutual respect and teamwork across all levels.
” You also mention those who had passed and those who had failed maybe as a teacher I’m interested in both and ensuring that those who have passed do even better and in the same vein pay special attention to those who didn’t make the mark. What were the issues? How do we ensure that next time they also pass? Because I would I’d like to believe that they are capable of passing. Maybe some things went wrong so let’s identify them and let’s encourage them to do more because the more they succeed the more success” she said.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, outlined key initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency. He said government has introduced sector-wide monitoring and rolled out a Social Accountability Committee to ensure the effective use of the District Assemblies Common Fund.
“The ministry will embark on sector-wide monitoring of all metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to ensure the District Assembly Common Fund transfers are used effectively for citizens’ benefit. The first year focused on government formation and policy-making, while this year emphasizes monitoring and supervision.
We have confidence in them. We’re giving them the money, but we’ll follow up to ensure it’s used for the intended purpose,” he said
According to the Minister, improved transparency has restored donor confidence and boosted support for critical local projects, including 24-hour model markets and sanitation initiatives. ” This has improved transparency has restored donor confidence.” he said.
These measures, he noted, are expected to enhance service delivery and accelerate development at the local level.
