Minister expresses concern about misuse of funds in the assemblies

Koforidua, July 30, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, on Thursday expressed worry about the misuse of funds in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA's). He said; "Funds meant for development with the intention of alleviating poverty, are disbursed recklessly," adding it was unfortunate that most members did not emphasize the plight of the people they represented.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said this at an emergency National Delegates' Conference of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) in Koforidua. He said the non-adherence to the Public Procurement Act 2003, (ACT 663) which spelt out how goods, works and services should be procured was a contributory factor to the misuse of funds in the assemblies. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo urged the metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives to uphold the principles of probity, accountability and transparency.

He said President Mills "would show whoever decides to deviate from the principles and conducts himself in such a manner as to tarnish the reputation of government the exit".

Mr Ofosu Ampofo challenged them to demonstrate a high standard of integrity, honesty, selflessness, objectivity and transparency in the discharge of their duties. He reminded them that as leaders, they must understand that when they failed in their duties, the institutions they represented would be affected.

Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said effective service delivery was central to Ghana's decentralization process, good governance and democracy. He said the government would continue to play its role of ensuring that MMDA's performed efficiently to meet the demands of their constituents.

Mr Yieleh Chireh assured NALAC of the ministry's desire and willingness to make NALAG a more effective organization to effectively perform its mandate.

He appealed to assembly members to take the activities of NALAG seriously so as to make it a reliable vehicle for good governance. Mr Mawutor Goh, out-going President of NALAG, mentioned the increase in the share of the District Assembly's Common Fund (DACF), from five to 7.5 percent as one of the achievements of NALAG.