The President of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), Frank Nelson Ackah, has appealed to residents in various electoral areas not to increase their demands on Assembly Members following the announcement of their allowances by the government.
As disclosed by the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, the government has released the first tranche of GH¢25 million for the payment of non-taxable allowances to Assembly Members nationwide.
According to the Minister, the funds—released by the Ministry of Finance on June 18—have already been disbursed to all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), covering allowances for April and May 2025.
Each of the 9,085 Assembly Members is to receive GH¢1,300.
Speaking on Onua TV’s Nsem Titire with Nana Yaw Opare, Frank Nelson Ackah acknowledged that Assembly Members already face numerous challenges, including persistent requests for financial support from constituents.
He expressed concern that the allowance announcement could lead to increased pressure on Assembly Members, as constituents may assume they now have more financial means.
“Even before the allowance, we had many people asking for help. If care is not taken, people will now line up at our doors for their daily bread,” he said.
He therefore urged constituents to temper their expectations, explaining that the allowance is meant to support Assembly Members in carrying out their duties—not to serve as a welfare fund.
Mr. Ackah clarified that although Assembly Members have not yet received the funds personally, the money has been released to the Assemblies for disbursement.
He noted that the original promise was for quarterly payments, and they were expecting allowances for April, May, and June. Since only two months have been covered so far, they remain hopeful allowances for the remaining month will be paid soon.
Expressing gratitude for the allowances, he said it would significantly support Assembly Members in their roles, particularly with transportation costs and other essential expenses such as replacing faulty streetlights.
He also predicted that the introduction of the allowances, along with the distribution of motorbikes to members, will make upcoming Assembly elections more competitive.
“This will encourage more participation from Assembly Members in all community activities,” he added.
Finally, Mr. Ackah Nelson urged the electorate to vote based on merit and development-oriented leadership and not just because of the new allowances.
“Let us vote for those who will work and bring progress, not those who just want a share of the allowances,” he said.
