Government Allegedly Owes District Assemblies Common Fund Over GH¢6 Billion, Claims Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament
Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament, Benjamin Komla Kpodo, alleges that the government owes over GH¢6 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) due to delays in fund disbursement by the Ministry of Finance. This allegation raises concerns about the violation of constitutional provisions mandating quarterly disbursements. Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare acknowledges the arrears and pledges the government's commitment to clearing the debt.
In a recent session of Parliament, Benjamin Komla Kpodo, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Local Government Committee, raised serious concerns regarding the alleged debt owed by the government to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). According to Kpodo, the government's failure to release funds in a timely manner has led to an accumulated debt of over GH¢6 billion.
Kpodo emphasized that this delay in disbursing funds directly violates the Constitution, which mandates quarterly disbursements of the DACF. He underscored the significance of adhering to Article 252(2) of the Constitution, which outlines the requirement for regular quarterly disbursements to the District Assemblies.
During his contribution to the discussion on the proposed formula for distributing the DACF for the year 2024, Kpodo highlighted the concerning trend of the Ministry of Finance withholding funds meant for the District Assemblies. He pointed out that the owed amount has steadily increased over the past years, reaching GH¢6 billion, and questioned the whereabouts of the withheld funds.
Responding to these allegations, Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare acknowledged the arrears owed to the DACF by the government. She assured the Parliament of the government's commitment to resolving the outstanding debt, stating that efforts are underway to clear the owed amounts. Osei-Asare also emphasized that the government has not contravened any rulings by the Supreme Court and reiterated the administration's dedication to transparency and accountability in financial matters.
The issue raised by Kpodo sheds light on the challenges faced by local authorities due to delayed disbursements of funds essential for their operations. As discussions continue within Parliament, stakeholders await concrete actions to address the outstanding debt and ensure the timely allocation of resources to support the development initiatives of District Assemblies across the country.
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