The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Michael Harry Yamson, has announced major reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and funding delivery to local governments across Ghana.
This was revealed during a presentation to the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, during her visit to the Common Fund Secretariat on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
According to the Administrator, the Fund has undergone a significant transformation over the past year, shifting from an analog system to a fully digitized operation.
A new integrated platform now manages budgeting, disbursement, and reporting processes, allowing real-time tracking of funds and projects.
‘’The reforms have already yielded measurable improvements. Transfers to districts, which previously stood at about 53.5 percent, increased to 91 percent last year and are projected to reach 93 percent in 2026. This exceeds the minimum statutory requirement of 80 percent allocated directly to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.’’ He said.
The Administrator acknowledged that while disbursements remain irregular, the digitized system ensures full accountability, with every transaction tracked and visible within minutes.
A key highlight of the presentation was the introduction of a public transparency portal, which allows citizens to monitor projects in their districts. ‘’Each project is now geo-located and assessed based on timeliness, value for money, relevance, and quality’’.
Mr. Harry Yamson, further disclosed that a ‘’nationwide audit of projects between 2017 and 2024 identified nearly 4,800 projects, with an estimated 8 billion cedis tied up in unfinished developments’’. He noted going forward, priority will be given to completing these legacy projects before new ones are initiated.
He also said in order to address funding gaps, the Secretariat has launched a Community Partnership initiative. This allows individuals, corporate bodies, and members of the diaspora to contribute directly to development projects in their districts. ‘’Contributions are expected to benefit from tax incentives, following engagements with the Ghana Revenue Authority’’. He indicated.
Additionally, the Fund is actively pursuing support from corporate and international partners, including a proposed initiative to construct dams in multiple constituencies across the country.
The Administrator emphasized that the overarching goal of these reforms is to reduce development inequalities by at least 10 percent, while strengthening accountability and improving service delivery at the local level.
The Vice President commended the efforts and reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that public funds are used efficiently to drive equitable development nationwide.
On funding delays, the Vice President acknowledged concerns raised by the Administrator and assured that efforts will be made to expedite the release of funds. She noted that timely disbursement is essential if the objective of reducing inequality in communities is to be achieved.
Touching on the newly introduced community partnership initiative, Professor Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the Secretariat to structure it in a way that motivates individuals and corporate bodies to contribute.
She pointed out that tax incentives tied to such contributions should make participation attractive, as contributors can recover benefits through their tax returns.
She further stressed that beyond infrastructure development, projects funded through the Common Fund also play a vital role in job creation. According to her, construction of schools, chiefs’ palaces, and other community facilities provides employment opportunities, supports contractors, and helps build local skills.
The Vice President urged the Secretariat to focus on delivering measurable results, stating that the next phase of the reforms should demonstrate clear impact on communities.
She reaffirmed government’s interest in closely monitoring outcomes to ensure improved livelihoods for Ghanaians.
By Evelyn Tengmaa
