The Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA) has called for stronger accountability measures as stakeholders recommend that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) cited in the Auditor-General’s Report should lose points in the upcoming 2025 Public Financial Management Compliance League Table (PFMCLT).

This recommendation emerged during a multi-stakeholder technical meeting convened by CLGA to review and validate the draft 2025 PFMCLT Assessment Tool.

The meeting brought together key institutions across the Public Financial Management (PFM) chain and civil society organisations.

Stakeholders raised concerns that some Assemblies continue to record significant financial irregularities, yet the current scoring framework does not adequately penalise them.

It was therefore strongly proposed that MMDAs cited in the Auditor-General’s Report for misappropriation, non-compliance or other financial infractions should lose marks under the Auditing Indicator.

This, they argued, would strengthen deterrence, promote responsible use of public resources, and improve accountability to citizens.

Participants also highlighted inconsistencies in quarterly reporting to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

Many MMDAs consistently fail to submit mandatory quarterly performance reports, a situation that undermines planning effectiveness and national data reliability.

It was recommended that Assemblies that default should lose points under the Planning Indicator to reinforce compliance with regulatory reporting obligations.

On procurement, stakeholders proposed reforms to ensure that the PFMCLT promotes local economic development.

They suggested that Requests for Quotations (RFQs) should give priority to sourcing from local firms, while National Competitive Tendering (NCT) and other methods should be assessed in ways that encourage transparency, value for money and inclusiveness.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the PFMCLT as a national accountability tool that objectively measures MMDA compliance with PFM laws, regulations, and best practices.

The 2025 edition is expected to incorporate these recommendations to ensure the tool remains robust, credible, and reflective of the realities within Ghana’s local governance system.

CLGA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with state institutions and development partners to enhance transparency, strengthen PFM systems, and deepen accountability at the sub-national level.