NPP 2024 Manifesto: A game changer, drastic boost for assembly members' grassroots dev't initiatives

The Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) held a significant press conference on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the GNAT Hall.

The event focused on advocating for the implementation of the Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF), a key proposal in the 2024 NPP Manifesto, launched over the weekend in Takoradi.

The primary aim of the press conference was to welcome and garner support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's vision of financially empowering Assembly Members to ensure that every electoral area receives a fair share of the Common Fund, enabling sustainable development across communities.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including Assembly Members, community development advocates, and influential figures in local governance.

Advocating for Local Empowerment and Sustainable Development

GAAM strongly emphasized that the EASCF initiative would grant Assembly Members direct access to funds, empowering them to address pressing issues within their communities more effectively.

Speaking at the event, Alfred Asiedu Adjei, also known as Paa Joe, the fourth-time Presiding Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and General Secretary of GAAM, underscored the importance of strengthening local governance by providing necessary resources for development.

"We gather here today as the Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), representing the collective voice and interests of Assembly Members across the Greater Accra Region," Adjei stated. "Our mission is clear: to advocate for policies that empower local governance, enhance community development, and ensure that the needs of our people are met effectively and efficiently."

He expressed GAAM's strong support for the proposal put forward by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during the recent manifesto launch, describing the EASCF as both timely and essential for the accelerated development of communities.

Adjei further called on all Assembly Members across Greater Accra and the rest of Ghana's 16 regions to rally behind this initiative. "Fellow Assembly Members, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines as this visionary proposal is brought to life. The Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund is our chance to make a lasting impact in our communities."

He emphasized that this initiative transcends politics, focusing instead on the future of communities and the well-being of the people. "As GAAM, we are fully committed to supporting the government in this endeavor. We believe that with the right resources, we can transform our Electoral Areas into hubs of development, progress, and prosperity."

Addressing Grassroots Challenges
Adjei also highlighted the heavy workload that Assembly Members shoulder at the grassroots level, dealing with various issues in their communities. He expressed optimism that Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the EASCF comes at a crucial moment to bridge development gaps.

In conclusion, the Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members reaffirmed its commitment to championing this cause, encouraging all stakeholders to stay engaged as they continue their advocacy efforts for the implementation of the EASCF.

Below is the Full Press Statement By GAAM:

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE GREATER ACCRA ASSOCIATION OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS (GAAM) ON SUPPORTING THE VISION OF INSTITUTING AN ELECTORAL AREA SHARE OF THE COMMON FUND (EASCF)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
Honorable Assembly Members,
Distinguished Citizens of Ghana,
We gather here today as the Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), representing the collective voice and interests of Assembly Members across the Greater Accra Region.

Our mission is clear: to advocate for policies that empower local governance, enhance community development, and ensure that the needs of our people are met effectively and efficiently.

We are here to unambiguously express our support for the proposal put forward by His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, during the recent manifesto launch. The proposal to institute an Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF) dedicated to Assembly Members is not just timely—it is essential for the accelerated development of our communities.

The Workload on Assembly Members
Assembly Members are the cornerstone of local governance. We are on the ground, directly engaging with the communities we serve. We listen to the concerns of our constituents, mediate conflicts, mobilize resources, and initiate development projects. The demands on our time, energy, and resources are immense, yet the resources allocated to us are not enough.

The reality is that national development begins at the district level. For Ghana to progress, our local areas must be empowered with the necessary tools to drive that progress. However, the limited resources currently available to Assembly Members significantly constrain our ability to effectively execute our mandates. We often find ourselves stretched thin, juggling multiple responsibilities without the requisite funding to implement meaningful projects that address the pressing needs of our communities.

Why the EASCF is Crucial
The proposed Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF) is a game-changer.

Here are ten specific benefits of the EASCF for Assembly Members and the community:

Benefits to Assembly Members:
1. Increased Autonomy in Project Implementation:

• Assembly Members will have greater control over the allocation and utilization of funds, enabling them to prioritize and execute projects that directly address the specific needs of their electoral areas.

2. Enhanced Accountability and Transparency:
• With a dedicated fund, Assembly Members will be more accountable to their constituents, as the direct management of resources will require regular reporting and transparency in expenditures.

3. Strengthened Leadership and Influence:
• Access to the EASCF will elevate the role of Assembly Members in local governance, enhancing their leadership influence and making them key players in the development process at the grassroots level.

4. Reduction in Bureaucratic Delays:
• Assembly Members will no longer have to wait for lengthy approval processes to access funds for local projects. This will allow for faster implementation of initiatives, addressing urgent community needs in a timely manner.

5. Capacity for Long-Term Planning:
• The consistent and predictable flow of funds will enable Assembly Members to plan and execute long-term projects, contributing to sustained development rather than relying on ad-hoc funding.

Benefits to the Community:
6. Improved Infrastructure and Services:
• Communities will benefit from better roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other critical infrastructure as Assembly Members can more easily direct funds to areas most in need of improvement.

7. Localized Development Priorities:
• The EASCF will allow for development projects that reflect the unique needs and priorities of each community, leading to more relevant and impactful outcomes.

8. Greater Community Engagement and Participation:

• With Assembly Members having the resources to address local issues directly, communities are likely to be more engaged in governance, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and participation in local development.

9. Economic Empowerment:
• The targeted use of funds for local economic projects—such as markets, small businesses, and agricultural support—will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and reduce poverty within communities.

10. Increased Trust in Local Governance:
• As communities witness tangible improvements resulting from the effective use of the EASCF, trust in local governance structures will be strengthened, leading to better cooperation between citizens and their local representatives.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF NANA ADDO/BAWUMIA IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Since 2017, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has made significant strides in strengthening local governance and empowering local authorities. Some of the key achievements include:

1. Decentralization and Devolution of Powers:

• The government’s efforts to decentralize power have been evident in initiatives like the creation of six new regions in 2018, bringing governance closer to the people.

2. Local Economic Development:
• The One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative has been instrumental in stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and reducing rural-urban migration. This has had a direct impact on the livelihoods of people at the grassroots level.

3. Infrastructure Development:
• The government’s investment in road infrastructure and the construction of district hospitals under the Agenda 111 project have significantly improved public service delivery at the local level.

4. Financial Empowerment:
• The increase in allocations to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has provided local authorities with more resources to implement development projects. Additionally, the introduction of the District Assembly Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT) has enhanced the accountability and transparency of local governance.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF NANA ADDO/BAWUMIA IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Since 2017, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has made significant strides in strengthening local governance and empowering local authorities. Some of the key achievements include:

1. Decentralization and Devolution of Powers:

• The government’s efforts to decentralize power have been evident in initiatives such as the creation of six new regions in 2018, bringing governance closer to the people.

2. Local Economic Development:
• The One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative has stimulated local economies, created jobs, and reduced rural-urban migration. This has had a direct impact on the livelihoods of people at the grassroots level.

• Additionally, the provision of farm implements and fertilizers to farmers has empowered the local economy and enhanced agricultural productivity across the districts.

3. Infrastructure Development:
• Major investments have been made in road infrastructure, district hospitals under the Agenda 111 project, and the construction of Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) office complexes in Accra, North East, Savanna, Western North, and others.

• Office complexes have been constructed for District Assemblies, including Ablekuma West, Okaikwei North, Ada, and nearly 50 other assemblies. Moreover, over 100 district court houses and judges’ bungalows have been constructed across the country.

4. Financial Empowerment and Support for PWDs:

• The increment of the Disability Fund to 3% of the District Assembly Common Fund allocation, coupled with the provision of working tools for persons living with disabilities, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.

• Vehicles have been provided to all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), including Nissan Patrol SUVs, Nissan Hardbody pickups, and, more recently, Toyota Hilux vehicles, ensuring better mobility and operational efficiency.

5. Institutional Expansion and Capacity Building:

• Expansion works at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in both Accra and Tamale, as well as the establishment of the University of Local Government Studies at Akomadan with state-of-the-art facilities, are further testament to the government’s commitment to capacity building at the local level.

• The construction of the office complex for the Head of Local Government Services has also been a significant development for enhancing the administration of local governance.

6. District Road Improvement Programs (DRIP):

• The launch of the District Road Improvement Programs (DRIP) is a timely and much-needed intervention that will significantly improve road infrastructure across districts, enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic activities.

Acknowledging the Contributions of Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo and the MLGRD:

We cannot speak of these giant strides in local governance and decentralization without acknowledging the tireless efforts of Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo, the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in driving many of the initiatives mentioned above, particularly in the allocation and utilization of the DACF to ensure that MMDAs have the resources they need to fulfill their mandates effectively.

In the same vein, we extend our profound gratitude to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) for its critical role in spearheading these transformational reforms.

Under the leadership of the Ministry, local governance structures have been strengthened, and rural development has received much-needed attention through projects that have significantly improved infrastructure, social services, and the well-being of our citizens.

The Ministry’s collaboration with the DACF and local authorities has been pivotal in the implementation of policies that are transforming the lives of Ghanaians across the country.

A Call to Action
Fellow Assembly Members, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines as this visionary proposal is brought to life. The Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund is our chance to make a lasting impact in our communities.

We call on all Assembly Members across Greater Accra and the rest of the 16 regions of Ghana to rally behind this initiative. Let us work together to ensure that this policy becomes a reality, for it is not just about politics—it is about the future of our communities and the well-being of our people.

As GAAM, we are fully committed to supporting the government in this endeavor. We believe that with the right resources, we can transform our Electoral Areas into hubs of development, progress, and prosperity.

Thank you.
GAAM EXECUTIVES