By Barimah K. Saakwa
The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has commended the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Ahmed, for facilitating the full payment of outstanding 2025 monthly allowance arrears owed to Assembly Members across the country.
According to NALAG, the payment represents a significant milestone in strengthening Ghana’s decentralisation framework and recognising the critical role Assembly Members play in grassroots governance and participatory democracy.
Assembly Members Central to Local Governance
Hon. Asiedu Adjei stressed that Assembly Members form the backbone of Ghana’s local governance system, serving as the primary link between government and citizens at the community level.
“Assembly Members are the backbone of our local governance structure. Their work in community mobilisation, development oversight, and social accountability is fundamental to effective decentralisation,” he stated.
He noted that despite limited resources, Assembly Members perform essential duties including conflict resolution, project monitoring, revenue mobilisation sensitisation, and advocacy for equitable development within their electoral areas.
Allowance Payments Boost Morale Nationwide
The NALAG President explained that the settlement of the 2025 allowance arrears has brought relief and renewed motivation to Assembly Members nationwide.
“This intervention goes beyond financial relief. It restores morale and demonstrates institutional recognition of the invaluable service Assembly Members provide to their communities and to the nation,” he added.
Call for Policy Formalization
While welcoming the development, Hon. Asiedu Adjei called for the formalisation of Assembly Members’ monthly allowances within a clear legal and budgetary framework to ensure predictability and sustainability.
“Formalising the allowance policy will protect Assembly Members from future disruptions and ensure consistency, irrespective of political transitions,” he emphasised.
Need for Improved Logistical Support
He further reiterated NALAG’s call for improved logistical support, particularly the provision of motorbikes to Assembly Members, noting that the current Assembly is already in its third year of tenure.
“In many electoral areas, mobility is not a luxury but a necessity. Providing motorbikes will significantly enhance monitoring, community engagement, and effective service delivery at the grassroots level,” he said.
Strengthening Local Governance a National Priority
Hon. Asiedu Adjei concluded by stressing that supporting Assembly Members should be viewed not through a partisan lens but as a national governance priority.
“Strengthening local authorities strengthens decentralisation itself. It deepens citizen participation and accelerates inclusive development across communities in Ghana,” he concluded.
