DCE calls for dedicated DACF allocation for child protection
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Adaklu in the Volta Region, Mr Jerry Yao Ameko, has called for a dedicated allocation from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to finance child protection programmes across the country. He said the absence of specific funding for child protection at the local government level was making it difficult … The post DCE calls for dedicated DACF allocation…
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Adaklu in Ghana's Volta Region, Mr Jerry Yao Ameko, has urged for a dedicated portion of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to finance child protection programs nationwide. He highlighted that the lack of specific funding at the local government level is hindering Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from effectively implementing child protection initiatives.
According to Mr Ameko, while MMDAs receive 80% of their budget from the DACF, only 5% is allocated for administration and recurrent expenses, restricting their capacity to fund child protection and other social interventions locally. The remainder of the DACF allocation is dedicated to development projects, education, and health infrastructure.
Mr Ameko proposed that child protection be given its own DACF allocation to empower MMDAs to better address children's needs within their regions. He made this appeal during a national dialogue on child protection financing in Accra, organized by SOS Children’s Village, Joy News, and the Embassy of Norway. Mr Ameko also encouraged MMDAs to work with civil society organizations to tackle local child protection issues.
The DACF Administrator, Mr Michael Harry Yamson, encouraged MMDAs to push for a 10% increase in budgetary allocation for administration and recurrent expenses under the ongoing constitutional review. He emphasized that DACF funds are primarily meant for development, including child protection initiatives, rather than consumer goods.
The Family Strengthening Coordinator of SOS Children’s Village, Mr David Kanortey, advocated for a community-based approach, mentioning that his organization is setting up community-based child protection committees in select areas. Ghana's Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr Naa Momo Lartey, reiterated the government's commitment to finding sustainable funding solutions for child protection during her speech, read by Reverend Israel K. Akrobortu.
Participants discussed the need for more resources for social welfare departments and greater accountability in child protection financing.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
