The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has appealed to the Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Ato Forson, to urgently release the outstanding monthly allowances owed to Assembly Members across the country.
The call follows resolutions adopted at NALAG’s 4th Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting held at the Tyco City Hotel in Sunyani.
Government Commended for Budgetary Support
Hon. Asiedu Adjei commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana for allocating GH₵100 million in the 2025 National Budget to support the payment of Assembly Members’ monthly allowances.
He said the allocation reflects government’s recognition of the crucial role Assembly Members play as frontline actors in Ghana’s decentralization process.
Six Months of Allowances Still Unpaid
Despite this allocation, the NALAG President expressed concern that only two months—April and May—have so far been released. This leaves six months of arrears, from June to November, still outstanding.
He explained that the prolonged delay is placing significant financial strain on Assembly Members, many of whom continue to serve their communities with limited or no logistical support.
Direct Appeal to the Finance Minister
On behalf of NALAG and in line with resolutions adopted by the NEC, Hon. Asiedu Adjei made a direct appeal to Dr. Forson to facilitate the immediate release of the remaining funds to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) for onward disbursement.
He noted that the appeal is anchored on the principles of:
-Fairness and equity
-Good governance
-Decentralization
-Respect for the sacrifices of Assembly Members
Call for Motorbike Distribution to Boost Local Governance
Beyond allowances, the NALAG President also urged the government to expedite the procurement and distribution of motorbikes to Assembly Members nationwide. He described motorbikes as essential tools for effective community engagement, project monitoring, and grassroots service delivery.
He observed that many Assembly Members currently walk long distances or rely on personal funds for transportation—a situation that undermines their efficiency and weakens the decentralization system.
Assurance to Assembly Members
Hon. Asiedu Adjei reaffirmed NALAG’s commitment to advocating for the welfare of Assembly Members, stating that:
-Engagement with top government officials remains ongoing;
-Advocacy for the timely release of outstanding allowances will continue;
-Lobbying for the motorbike distribution is being actively pursued.
He also commended Assembly Members for their resilience, patience, and steadfast commitment to their communities despite the challenges.
Conclusion
Hon. Asiedu Adjei expressed confidence that both the Finance Minister and the Local Government Minister will act swiftly to safeguard Ghana’s decentralization gains, boost the morale of Assembly Members, and strengthen grassroots development and accountability.
By Barimah Kwaku Saakwa
