Responding to questions in Parliament today, the Minister outlined the statutory framework governing the relationship between MMDCEs and MPs, emphasizing that the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) provides a formal mechanism for collaboration in planning, budgeting and development oversight.

Legal Framework and Funding

Citing Section 5(1)(c) of Act 936, Mr. Ibrahim noted that every District Assembly must include MPs representing constituencies within its jurisdiction, establishing a constitutional basis for cooperation between the two levels of governance.

The Minister also highlighted Article 252 of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and mandates Parliament to allocate no less than five percent of Ghana's total revenues to District Assemblies for development purposes.

According to the Minister, distribution of the DACF is guided by three key criteria: the needs of each Assembly, equality to ensure fair resource allocation, and service pressure—particularly in urban areas where demand on existing facilities is high.

MPs Common Fund and Coordination

In addition to the DACF, Hon. Members of Parliament receive a constituency allocation drawn from a percentage of the DACF. This fund supports small-scale development needs including assistance to vulnerable constituents, provision of farm inputs, and community facilities such as boreholes and water systems.

Mr. Ibrahim stressed the importance of regular meetings between MMDCEs and MPs to discuss pressing local needs and align interventions with Assembly Medium-Term Development Plans.

"The Ministry is accordingly working to ensure that such engagements are held consistently, as they form a vital platform for strengthening the working relationship between MMDCEs and Hon. Members," he stated.

New Protocols and Strategic Initiatives

The Minister announced that the Ministry is strengthening protocols requiring MMDCEs to notify and brief MPs on key planning, budgeting and development committee meetings. This ensures that constituency priorities are reflected in development plans and that local projects are jointly monitored and publicly accountable.

As an example of collaborative efforts, Mr. Ibrahim referenced the recent national orientation session on the 24-Hour Economy Model Markets for Regional Ministers and MMDCEs, which provided guidance on implementation, stakeholder coordination and financing arrangements.

"As the roll-out continues, MMDAs are encouraged to brief and involve Hon. Members in local consultations and collaborate with them to support these interventions," the Minister added.

The move is expected to enhance development planning, project execution and service delivery at the local level, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com