Simon Osei-Mensah, the Regional Minister for the Ashanti region has reported that most of the assemblies in the region, despite their numerous resource potentials, failed to raise enough revenue as expected in 2022.
According to Mr. Osei-Mensah, an analysis of the total internally generated funds (IGF) for the 43 assemblies as at the end of October 2022 showed that, they collected GH¢ 63,432,820.18 out of a budgeted amount of GH¢ 94,558,200.85. This represents 67% of the targeted figure.
Mr. Osei-Mensah passed these comments during the 2022 end-of-year meeting of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) held in Kumasi.
The meeting covered a range of topics including audit issues, security, flood prevention, COVID-19, and road infrastructure.
It was attended by the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II; the Essumejahene, Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama; Metropolitan Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Presiding Members, and the Regional Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Osei-Mensah emphasized the importance of maximizing internally generated funds to improve socio-economic development in the region, despite the economic challenges facing the country.
“Indeed, if Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) do not take a serious look at the IGF, it becomes extremely difficult to help in the development of your districts, in view of the erratic releases of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).”
Osei-Mensah
The Minister explained that the poor financial performance of many of the assemblies was due to their failure to adhere to proper financial management practices, which resulted in frequent citations for infractions during audit exercises.
“You need to work hard to address the number of audit violations that often culminate in appearances before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC),” — an unpleasant situation, Mr. Osei-Mensah noted could tarnish the reputation of most of the assemblies. The Minister, therefore, urged the MMDCEs to support the work of the Audit Unit.
Security and Infrastructure
On security, The Minister thanked the heads of security agencies in the region for maintaining peace in the area.
“Indeed, the security agencies have done a yeoman’s job in maintaining peace in the region.”
Simon Osei-Mensah
During the year under review, the Minister reported that 100.7 kilometers of roads were rehabilitated in Bantama, Manhyia, Nhyiaeso, Subin, Asokwa, Kwadaso, Oforikrom, Suame and Old Tafo. These completed roads, the minister indicated, improved accessibility and quality of life in the region.
The Santase-Apre bypass through Bebu to Ampabame No. 2 was under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, Simon Osei-Mensah also mentioned.
