The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has been urged to accelerate project implementation and ensure the efficient use of statutory funds, as a delegation from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs engaged the Assembly on its development performance and financial management.
The working visit was led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, accompanied by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Chief Director and other officials. It formed part of ongoing assessments of how Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are utilising allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and other development support.
The Assembly presented updates on its financial position, legal framework and ongoing projects in sectors including health, education, water, sanitation and administration, as well as inherited projects being executed under successive administrations.
The Ministry delegation expressed concern over delays in the execution of some projects, calling for improved coordination and faster delivery of development interventions.
A key issue was the proposed 24-hour economy market project, for which GHS 5,519,511.07 has been allocated but remains unutilised due to land acquisition challenges. The Assembly indicated that engagements are ongoing with relevant state agencies to resolve the bottlenecks.
Attention was also drawn to bureaucratic delays affecting a classroom project at Balewashie, with the delegation urging administrative efficiency to avoid slowing down service delivery.
The Deputy Minister Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah also raised concerns over the use of funds allocated for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), stressing the need for proper targeting and accountability. She noted that government has increased the PWD allocation from three percent to five percent of the DACF and urged strict adherence to its intended purpose.
The delegation further encouraged stronger collaboration between the Assembly to improve the quality of its project presentations ahead of future engagements, nothing that subsequent visits will include field inspections to verify progress on the ground.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
