Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Dan Botwe, has attributed the consistent delay in the release of the Common Fund for the various MMDAs to late approval from Parliament.
He emphasized that the procedure for the fund to be released is approved by parliament and not the executive.
He expressed his concern and stated that he is seeking answers from Parliament as to why there has been a consistent delay.
After the inauguration and swearing-in of newly elected assembly members in Kumasi, he also underscored the need for the finance ministry to release the funds as soon as possible, immediately after the money is approved by parliament.
“The constitution says that 5 per cent of the National income should be distributed to the Assemblies according to the formula sent to parliament and therefore, the ministry of finance should send these monies regularly,” he noted.
The local government’s minister also expressed dissatisfaction regarding the low participation of women at the local government level.
He highlighted that only about 5 per cent of women contest at the Assembly level, which he sees as inappropriate.
To increase the number of women at the local level, the government has decided to appoint about 30 per cent of women, including persons living with disabilities, to ensure equity.
Credit: Bayaga Fatawu, Ashanti Regional Content Manager
