President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government is set to release the first tranche of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the year, signaling a renewed focus on timely disbursement and prudent management.
The announcement comes amid criticism from the Minority, who accused the Finance Minister of delaying payments to critical government agencies despite having the funds and legal authority to release them nearly six months into the current administration.
Speaking during his Thank-You tour in the Bono East Region on Friday, May 30, President Mahama issued a stern warning to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), urging them to manage the Common Fund responsibly.
“The Finance Minister is about to release the first quarter of the Common Fund. Eighty percent of it will go directly to the regions for you to manage. So, MMDCEs, you have no excuse,” he stressed.
The President further explained that detailed guidelines, approved at the latest Cabinet meeting, will accompany the funds to promote transparency and accountability. These guidelines will also form the basis for annual performance evaluations, which will influence the continuation of MMDCEs in their roles.
President Mahama is scheduled to continue his regional tour in the Bono Region later the same day.