The Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has blamed the previous Akufo-Addo administration for development challenges faced by many communities, citing delays and inadequate disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
According to him, several Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government struggled to carry out development projects because of irregular and insufficient funding.
Speaking at an accountability forum held at a Presbyterian Church in Dormaa as part of his regional tour, the Minister revealed that the Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly received only GH¢719,000 as common fund allocation for the whole of 2024.
He said the limited funding negatively affected infrastructure development, economic activities and other transformation projects across many assemblies.
Hon. Addae Akwaboa noted that the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has been more consistent in releasing the Common Fund to support local development.
Speaking to Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Sunyani-based Ark FM, he disclosed that the government recently disbursed more than GH¢14 million as part of the third-quarter Common Fund allocation.
He said the timely release of funds by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has enabled the Dormaa Municipal Assembly to embark on meaningful projects aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits within the municipality.
Chairman for the engagement, Barima Twumasi Bekoe, who is also the Dormaa Twafohene and Chief of Kofiasua, expressed confidence in what he described as the “second coming” of President Mahama’s administration.
Speaking to Ark FM, he said he believes the current government has the potential to drive national transformation and improve living conditions.
Barima Twumasi Bekoe also highlighted the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, which seeks to fight corruption and recover misappropriated state resources, as an important step toward national development.
He pledged the support of traditional leaders in the area to work with government in efforts to promote development and improve the lives of citizens.