Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama has expressed worry over the delays associated with the release of common funds to the various districts.

According to the former President, the government is starving the districts of development by not promptly releasing the funds.

Mr Mahama has therefore pledged to ensure the prompt release of funds to the districts when elected president on December 7.

“A lot of things are not going well in this country. When NDC was in power, the districts were not waiting for government to do everything.

“They were using common fund for schools, toilet facilities and other developmental projects but now the DCEs will tell you the monies do not come and when it does, it’s inadequate. So when we come, we will ensure the common Fund comes directly to the assembly to facilitate development,” he promised.

Mr Mahama was addressing residents of Kintampo South as part of his constituency tour, to garner votes in the December polls.

According to John Mahama, development, particularly, in the rural areas have drastically reduced due to government’s inability to release the funds for the assemblies to undertake projects.

He stated that, if government has failed to fulfill the ‘one million dollars per constituency’ promise, the Common Fund should be released to facilitate the construction of schools, community roads, clinics, among others.

In a related development, Mr Mahama has promised to increase the Common Fund from the existing 5% to 7%.

Mr Mahama has emphasised that increasing the district assembly common fund would be one of the steps his government would take to enhance local governance.

Source: Kwame Anum

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