President Mahama warns MMDCEs against misuse of Common Fund

President John Mahama has issued a stern warning to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that the utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) will be closely monitored to ensure accountability and prevent misuse.  

Speaking at an orientation programme for the MMDCEs at Madina, Accra, yesterday, the President stressed that while his administration had allocated a historic 80 per cent of the DACF directly to the local authorities — the highest in the Fourth Republic — the funds must be used prudently for development, not personal gain.  

“The Auditor-General and other anti-corruption institutions will be watching your work,” President Mahama said, and added that, “This money is for the people, and any diversion or mismanagement will not be tolerated.”  

The President’s caution was part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency in local governance under his government’s "Reset Agenda."

He reiterated that the decentralisation of resources was meant to accelerate grassroots development, not to enrich appointees.  

Orientation

The orientation, on the theme: "Strengthening Local Governance Through the Reset Agenda," also emphasised the need for MMDCEs to prioritise service delivery, job creation and accountability in line with the government’s 2024 manifesto.  

Present at the event were the Chairman of the Council of State, Edward Doe Adjaho; the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim; the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, and the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, among others.

The President emphasised that their appointments were not personal rewards but a "public responsibility" demanding diligence and integrity.  

"The Ghanaian people voted for a bold change and for a reset. Your actions and results must demonstrate that their trust was not misplaced," President Mahama said.

He warned the MMDCEs against arrogance and inertia, stating that the time for political celebration was over and that they must now deliver tangible outcomes for citizens.  

The President stressed that Ghana stood at a crossroads, and the leadership of MMDCEs will determine whether the nation achieves inclusive growth or continues to drift.  

The President also directed all MMDCEs to declare their assets by July 15, 2025, in compliance with the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550).

“I remind you that you are required to declare your assets, and I expect all of you to do so by 15th July,” he said.

The law mandates public officers to declare their assets upon assuming office to promote accountability and curb corruption.  

Confirmation process

The Local Government Minister, Ahmed Ibrahim, disclosed that 257 out of 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) had been confirmed following their nomination.  

“Mr President, I'm pleased to report that 257 nominees have received assembly approval, with confirmations ongoing for Tatale and Kanda,” he said. 

He mentioned two outstanding nominations in the Ashanti Region: "We are finalising the nomination process for the Asante Mampong and Atwima Mponua assemblies."  

The Minister commended the vetting committee chaired by the NDC Chairman for ensuring a transparent selection process. 

"The swift confirmations reflect the quality of nominees and assemblies' confidence in your leadership," Mr Ibrahim told the new MMDCEs.  

Accountability

Mr Adjaho charged the MMDCEs to restore public trust through accountable leadership at the local level.  

"You assume office when public confidence in political leadership is under significant strain. Citizens are demanding greater accountability from those in public office,” he said.

He reminded the gathering about the 2018 constitutional amendment attempt: "It took President Mahama's leadership and our collective effort to stop the MMDCEs election bill. Had it passed, some present here wouldn't be occupying these positions today."  

The Council of State Chairman emphasised the critical role of MMDCEs as not just policy implementers but the face of government where it matters most and urged the participants to approach the orientation with seriousness.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, commended President Mahama for convening the orientation, describing it as crucial for equipping MMDCEs to deliver on the government's reset agenda, which is focused on discipline, integrity and local development.