Led by the party’s Communications Officer, Cassius Oto Larbi, the group claimed their party’s victory in the 2024 general elections grants them the authority to take over government institutions in the districts.

Witnesses reported that, Mr Larbi led the charge as party members locked the offices and issued warnings to officials.

The supporters also directed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to refrain from using official government vehicles, further escalating tensions in the area.

This incident is part of a growing trend of takeovers of government institutions nationwide by supporters of the NDC after winning the elections.

Authorities are yet to comment on the situation.

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The survey, known as the District Mining Development Card, was carried out by CDD-Ghana to assess how effectively these communities, which benefit from mineral royalties, are utilizing the funds.

It covered eight out of the 28 mining districts across the country.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, a Research Analyst at CDD-Ghana, Emmanuel Yeboah disclosed that, instead of channeling the mineral royalties into projects that would bring long-term benefits to their communities, some Assemblies are spending the funds on funeral donations, fuel, and even maintenance work for palaces.

“According to the Local Government Act, mineral royalties are supposed to be invested in developmental projects such as education, health, and sanitation,” he explained.

However, Mr Yeboah noted that one of the significant challenges identified was the recurrent expenditures by these Assemblies.

“In fact, some districts are using the funds received from mineral royalties on non-essential expenses like funeral donations, fuel, and palace maintenance,” he added.

Mr. Yeboah mentioned that, due to the absence of a clear policy on how the districts should allocate these royalties, many Assemblies are left to use their discretion.

The survey also ranked the performance of various districts in terms of the efficient utilization of mineral royalties.

According to Mr Yeboah, Brim North Municipal came out on top with a score of 42.4%.

Tarkwa Nsuaem followed closely in second place with 41.9%, Wassa East was third with 41%, Upper Denkyira West took the fourth spot with 40%, and Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekai was fifth with 39%.

Other districts in the ranking included Obuasi in sixth place with 35%, Asutifi North in seventh with 34%, and Prestea-Huni Valley in eighth with 33%.

Mr Yeboah added that, CDD-Ghana will soon publish the full details of how each district has utilized its mineral royalties.

Source: Adomonline

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She underscored the significance of decentralisation and local governance in Ghana’s democratic landscape.

Speaking on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday (February 12), she congratulated all elected assembly and unit committee members for their success in the recent district level elections.

The chief of staff reiterated the government’s commitment to deepening decentralisation, as mandated by the constitution, emphasising the role of district assemblies in promoting popular participation in governance and decision-making at the local level.

With the inauguration of 259 district assemblies, Osei-Opare noted the progress made in decentralisation efforts since 1988. She said that the government is now closer to the people than ever before, thanks to the expanded network of district assemblies.

However, she acknowledged that despite decades of decentralisation efforts, there is still a tendency among citizens to look towards Accra for solutions to local issues. She urged assembly members to change this status quo by actively engaging with their constituents and delivering basic public services at the local level.

“The instinct of the average citizen is still to look towards Accra or their MPs for things that fall within the remit of the district assembly. I am expecting that you would be part of the team that finally change the status quo and deepen local governance and decentralisation to enable the citizens have access to basic public services in their districts rather than demanding for such services from Accra,” she said.

Osei-Opare called for continuous capacity building and sensitisation efforts to deepen understanding of decentralisation and local governance among citizens.

She stressed the importance of building strong partnerships and collaborations with local structures, including urban, town, and area councils, to optimise the benefits of local governance.

“You should also establish strong partnerships and collaborate with the local structures particularly, the urban, town, zonal and area council, the unit committees and traditional authorities as well as other identifiable groups to facilitate the work of the District Assembly. It through these partnerships and collaborations that the ideals of local governance are optimized for the benefit of the people,” she said.

The chief of staff highlighted the government’s focus on improving the mobilisation of internally generated funds (IGFs) for district development. She urged assembly members to work together to create innovative ways of mobilising resources within their areas.

Osei-Opare reminded assembly members of their critical role in advancing the government’s development agenda, particularly the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (2022-2025). She stressed on the need for alignment with national and sectoral policies to ensure effective implementation of local projects and programs.

Furthermore, she addressed leadership challenges at the district level, noting the importance of maintaining close contact with electoral areas and consulting constituents on development issues.

She highlighted efforts to address resource constraints and announced upcoming orientation and training programmes to enhance assembly members’ competence.

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The exercise in partnership with the Office of the President will be used to swear-in newly elected and appointed members of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MMDAs).

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Matilda Tettey.

“This is also in fulfillment of Article 35 Clause 6 (d) of the 1992 Constitution which enjoins the state to promote decentralisation and popular participation in governance by affording all possible opportunities to the citizenry to participate in decision-making at all levels of government,” the statement added.

The Ministry has urged all citizens to get involved in the workings of the District Assemblies and participate in decision-making in their various communities.

“Additionally, Section 16 (1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016, Act 936 requires Assembly members to maintain close contact with the electoral area; consult the people on the issues to be discussed in the District Assembly; collate their views, opinions, and proposals; and take part in communal and development activities, among others.”

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Find the press release below: