The Ghana Developing Communities Association(GDCA), a non - governmental organisation based in Tamale, has called on the Ministry of Finance and all relevant agencies to publish a timetable indicating the release of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in each quarter to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).According to GDCA, it will ensure prompt and predictable disbursement of the DACF to the MMDAs, to allow for proper planning, continuity of projects and improve accountability.This was contained in a statement issued by the Executive Director of the GDCA, Alhaji Osman Abdel-Rahman, and copied to The Ghanaian Times as part of activities marking this year's Africa Union Decentralisation and Local Development Day celebration here in Tamale.The statement also stated that the GDCA, through the ongoing constitutional review process, made a proposal to the committee to increase the DACF from current five per cent to 15 per cent and outlaw upfront deduction to ensure enough resources for MMDAs in order to undertake meaningful developmental projects.The statement added that GDCA was concerned that the national policies based on political parties manifestos were loaded onto the DACF, thus limiting the autonomy of the MMDAs to carry out their own development priorities.The theme for this year's celebration was 'Building Resilient Communities through Inclusive Decentralisation and Equitable Development.'This underscores the need to assess policy and institutional progress made since 2014.
The African Charter on Decentralisation was established and proposed strategic directions to deepen decentralisation reforms across Member States.Furthermore, it was also to strengthen stakeholder engagement, especially of youth, women and marginalised groups in decision-making process to harness Africa's demographic dividend through localised empowerment.The AU Decentralisation and Local Development Day is marked in August every year and aim to promote the values and principles of decentralisation, local governance and local development across the continent.It is a day for stakeholders to reflect on the progress of decentralisation and discuss strategies for strengthening local governance and inclusive development.The statement again explained that the day is often observed with events such as workshops and dialogue, held at national and local levels to share best practices, assess progress and mobilise actions towards inclusive and resilient communities.Moreover, it indicated that despite the progress made in Ghana's decentralisation journey with the successful creation of 261 MMDAs, key challenges remain in areas such as funding, human resources and ensuring effective coordination among different levels of government.The statement said Ghana continues to refine her decentralisation policies, including efforts to fully decentralise key sectors such as health, education and agriculture.According to the statement, the local governance played a vital role in promoting grassroots development, participation, and efficient service delivery.FROM TIMES REPORTER, TAMALE
