The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development has issued a stern warning to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and coordinating directors, cautioning that officials found to have misused funds allocated for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will face sanctions.
The committee stressed that the disability fund is strictly designated to support PWDs and improve their socio-economic well-being, and must not be diverted for other purposes under any circumstances.
The Chairperson of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Agona East on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, delivered the warning during a capacity-building programme for MMDCEs, coordinating directors, presiding members and assembly members in Koforidua last Friday.
The engagement formed part of the Committee’s oversight visit to the Eastern Region to review the utilisation of key development funds, including the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Internally Generated Funds (IGF), the District Development Facility and the PWD Fund.
Concerns over fund misuse and discrepancies
Mrs Sawyerr described the alleged diversion and underutilisation of PWD funds as unacceptable, questioning why some assemblies continue to leave such allocations idle instead of disbursing them to intended beneficiaries.
She also revealed that the Committee had identified discrepancies in financial records submitted by some assemblies.
“There are a few issues we have noted during the presentations by the MMDCEs, including discrepancies involving amounts of GH¢20 million, GH¢15 million, GH¢14 million, and GH¢5 million. We will investigate the causes of these discrepancies and determine the appropriate measures to address them,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to enforcing accountability in the management of public funds, warning that officials who misapply resources meant for vulnerable groups would not be spared.
Mrs Sawyerr further highlighted infrastructure challenges in parts of the Eastern Region, including poor road networks and recurring flooding, urging assemblies to take advantage of the government’s District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment to improve accessibility and drainage systems.
She also raised concerns about what she described as negligence and poor administrative discipline among some local government officials, saying such conduct was undermining development outcomes and efficient service delivery.
Calls for stricter enforcement
The Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee and New Patriotic Party MP for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, also expressed concern over mismanagement of public funds at some assemblies, insisting that stronger enforcement measures were needed.
He called for decisive action against offenders, urging authorities to “crack the whip” and ensure accountability in the use of public resources.
Mr Acquah further advised assemblies to adopt prudent financial management practices and comply strictly with existing regulations to avoid sanctions and surcharges.
Regional call for stronger revenue systems
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, in her welcome address, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening local governance, accountability and development delivery at the district level.
She noted that local governance remains central to Ghana’s democratic system, as it serves as the main channel through which national policies are translated into development outcomes at the grassroots.
Mrs Awatey said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives play a critical role in driving socio-economic development, adding that their effectiveness directly influences service delivery and community progress.
On revenue mobilisation, she identified weak internally generated revenue systems as a major challenge facing many assemblies, calling for innovative approaches to improve collection.
While acknowledging the importance of central government transfers, she urged assemblies to enhance revenue systems by leveraging technology, strengthening property rate databases, improving supervision of collectors and intensifying public education to promote voluntary compliance.
Oversight on flagship programme
As part of its visit, the Committee also assessed progress on the implementation of government’s flagship 24-hour economy market initiative in the region, as part of efforts to monitor development projects and ensure effective use of public resources.