By Desmond NYAMPONG
The real catalyst for development at the local level is the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and implemented through the local government system.
One concept that strongly resonates with Ghanaians is decentralization. At its core, it brings development closer to the people. It involves the transfer of functions, resources, authority and power from central government to local authorities.
The heads of these assemblies are the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Indeed, the role of the chief executive comes with many responsibilities. As drivers of development, their role often complements that of Members of Parliament in their jurisdictions, although conflicts sometimes arise due to overlapping authority.
It appears that the pressure of accountability is largely placed on Memers of Parliament. This is often self-imposed, driven by ambitious campaign promises made to win votes. The result is a growing gap between expectations and reality, exposing weaknesses in our development process. Meanwhile, MMDAs are often left off the hook when development stalls or when there is little to show. This suggests that many people are not fully aware of the functions of MMDAs beyond viewing them as revenue mobilization institutions.
Considering the sources of revenue available to the assemblies, the limited impact of development at the local level raises concerns. Could this be linked to the appointment of MMDCEs, a system that has been in place since the Fourth Republic? While accountability is important, the question remains: to what extent are MMDCEs held accountable compared to Members of Parliament?
A key source of funding for the assemblies is the District Assemblies Common Fund, an allocation from central government to local authorities. As the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” However, in some cases, this expectation is not fully met. It is therefore time for government to take stronger action against underperforming chief executives. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in local governance.
Sanitation and Lawlessness
One major challenge facing the assemblies is poor sanitation. Its effects are widespread. The accumulation of filth and refuse on streets, which greets workers, school children and tourists, reflects a lack of enforcement of sanitation laws and inadequate public education.
Sanitation enforcement should not be occasional or reactionary. It must be consistent and deliberate. The activities of hawkers and traders who obstruct walkways and push pedestrians onto the roads also pose serious risks. Assemblies must take decisive action to address these issues.
Common Fund and Local Economic Transformation
In the words of the Finance Minister, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, during his presentation to Parliament on payments to statutory funds, he highlighted the government’s willingness to increase allocations to the District Assemblies. Specifically, a total of 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund is to be transferred directly to the MMDAs, up from the previous range of 40% to 50%. This amounts to GH¢6.1 billion out of the earmarked GH¢7.57 billion for 2025.
The Common Fund, which represents at least 5% of Ghana’s annual tax revenue, is distributed to MMDAs and governed by specific guidelines. It is intended to augment internally generated funds by the assemblies.
This further validates the mechanisms put in place to maximize gains in the local economy. In a country where unemployment continues to rise, assemblies can do more to support job creation. For instance, they can intensify the provision of start-up capital to support viable business ideas within their communities.
Although assemblies are making efforts to reduce revenue leakages and improve internally generated funds, many citizens still feel dissatisfied with the pace of development and the slow rate of economic growth.
Way Forward
The way forward lies in increased accountability and transparency. A report by the Public Financial Management Compliance League Table revealed that many assemblies failed to comply with the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), resulting in poor management of public resources.
The report showed that only 81 assemblies, representing 31%, scored at least 50% in procurement and contracting. More concerning is that all 261 MMDAs failed to meet the 50% benchmark for accounting and reporting, while only four assemblies met the 50% threshold for effective internal and external auditing, as required under Act 921.
Public participation is also essential. Citizens must take advantage of town hall meetings and other platforms to hold their leaders accountable. Increased responsiveness to citizens’ needs can lead to better development outcomes.
Additionally, strengthening internal capacity within MMDAs is critical. Staff must be adequately trained and resourced to implement policies effectively and address local challenges.
Building local capacity to stimulate economic growth is another key priority. MMDAs must identify the needs of their communities and respond accordingly. This includes investing in education, skills training, and initiatives that enhance employability.
Decentralization promises development at the doorstep, yet for many Ghanaians, its impact remains limited. Although MMDAs are making efforts, they must do more to actively support the central government’s development agenda.
The author is a Writer | Educator | Social Commentator
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