Scrap MPs’ share of Common Fund and allocate it to Assembly Members – Former Local Gov’t Minister

Former Local Government and Rural Development Minister Kwadwo Adjei Darko advocates for a significant reform in Ghana's local governance system. He proposes the abolition of MPs' share in the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), suggesting that this portion should instead be allocated to elected Assembly Members. Darko argues that MPs lack voting rights in District Assemblies and, therefore, do not warrant a share in the fund.

He believes this move would bolster grassroots development and enhance decentralization. During a keynote speech at the Conference of Ashanti Regional Presiding Members in Kumasi, Darko emphasized that the current system contradicts the constitutional principle of decentralization. He noted that Ghana's decentralization journey commenced in 1988 under the PNDC, yet the system was insufficient due to inadequate financial resources.

The 1992 Constitution did advance decentralization through the establishment of the DACF under Article 252, and Article 240 stipulates that Parliament must transfer functions, powers, responsibilities, and resources from central government to local government institutions. However, Darko contends that true devolution has not been achieved, with local authorities lacking meaningful autonomy and adequate resources.

At the conference, NALAG President Alfred Asiedu Adjei urged Presiding Members to prioritize development over politics. He stressed that leadership effectiveness should be measured by the positive impact made in communities rather than the political positions held. Asiedu Adjei clarified that Presiding Members' roles extend beyond chairing meetings, and they should focus on fostering accountability, consensus-building, and development at the grassroots level.