The National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) has called on the government to urgently release all outstanding monthly allowances owed to Assembly Members across the country, as well as expedite the procurement of motorbikes promised to them.

This appeal was made at the Association’s just-ended 4th Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting held at the Tyco City Hotel in Sunyani, where concerns about persistent delays in allowance payments dominated discussions.

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NALAG expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and his government for allocating GH₵100 million in the 2025 national budget specifically for Assembly Members’ monthly allowances.

According to the Association, this allocation demonstrates the administration’s recognition of the critical role Assembly Members play in local governance and national development.

However, NALAG lamented that despite the budgetary allocation, only allowances for April and May have been released so far, leaving six months of unpaid arrears from June to November.

The Association described the situation as worrying, noting that the delay is putting significant financial strain on Assembly Members who continue to serve their communities with dedication despite minimal logistical support.

“NALAG wishes to first commend His Excellency the President John Dramani Mahama and the Government for allocating One Hundred Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢100,000,000.00) in the 2025 national budget specifically for the payment of Assembly Members’ monthly allowances. This commitment reflects the President and government's recognition of the critical role Assembly Members play at the local level.

“However, NALAG notes with great concern that only two months covering the months of April and May so far have been released and disbursed, leaving a substantial outstanding balance for six months up to Novemberp. This delay continues to impose severe financial strain and operational challenges on Assembly Members nationwide, who remain dedicated to serving their communities, often with limited logistical support,” portions of the NALAG statement signed by its president, Alfred Asiedu Adjei read.

Formal Appeal to the Ministry of Finance

In its resolution, NALAG made an earnest appeal to the Minister for Finance to immediately release the remaining funds to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs for onward disbursement.

The Association stressed that timely payment of allowances is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for strengthening decentralization and ensuring effective grassroots governance.

“In line with the NEC’s resolution, NALAG hereby makes a formal and earnest appeal to the Honourable Minister for Finance to urgently release the outstanding balance of the approved allowance to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), for onward disbursement to all Honourable Assembly Members across the country.

"This appeal is made in the interest of fairness and equity; the spirit of good governance and decentralization; and in recognition of the significant responsibilities Assembly Members shoulder as the direct link between Government and the citizenry at the local level,” it stated.

Logistical Challenges: Call for Motorbikes

NALAG further urged the government to fast-track the procurement and distribution of motorbikes for all Assembly Members. The Association noted that motorbikes were promised as part of efforts to improve mobility and operational efficiency at the local level.

Many Assembly Members, NALAG noted, work across vast geographic zones and struggle due to inadequate transportation. The provision of motorbikes, therefore, remains a critical intervention that will enhance supervision, community engagement, monitoring, and overall service delivery.

Assurance to Assembly Members

NALAG reassured all Assembly Members that their welfare remains a top priority. The Association emphasized that it is:

Actively engaging high-level government officials on the matter

Strongly advocating for the immediate release of all outstanding allowances

Consistently lobbying for the procurement of motorbikes

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NALAG commended Assembly Members for their patience, commitment, and unwavering service to their communities despite the logistical and financial challenges they face.

Conclusion

The Association expressed confidence that both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs will act swiftly to resolve the matter.

Addressing these concerns, NALAG said, is crucial to sustaining Ghana’s decentralisation agenda, motivating Assembly Members, and improving local governance across the country.

MAG/EB