The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Achiase in the Eastern Region, Hon. Samuel Owusu Brako, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and accelerated development during his appearance before the Parliament’s Committee on Local Government and Rural Development – the Consideration of the Annual Audit Statements of the MMDAs, Middle Sector, 2024.
Addressing the Committee in Accra, Mr. Brako outlined key challenges confronting the district while highlighting the measures his office has adopted to strengthen local governance and improve internally generated revenue.
“Achiase District has a lot of challenges, but among them I would say issues with potable drinking water, our road network — the whole district has just about 10 percent of roads asphalted — in addition to unemployment, electricity expansion, and network connectivity.”
Hon. Samuel Owusu Brako
He emphasized that these constraints have slowed progress in various sectors but assured the Committee that his administration was working to address them systematically.
Mobilization Drive
On revenue mobilization, Hon. Brako revealed that the district’s internally generated funds (IGF) had improved significantly over the past year.
“Last year, we generated GHS 511,895.01, and this year so far, we have generated GHS 456,330.63, representing 82.48 percent,” he said. He attributed the progress to better revenue collection structures and ongoing efforts to motivate local staff.
However, the Committee raised concerns about the district’s poor revenue performance in 2022, particularly the failure of revenue collectors to meet their monthly targets. Hon. Brako explained that the shortfall stemmed largely from logistical challenges.
“At that time, the district revenue officers were not properly resourced and didn’t have vehicles to move around to collect revenue. In 2024, we have put measures in place to resource the revenue mobilization team and task force.
“We have also formed a task force and ceded certain revenue items to our area councils to help us realize more revenue. Currently, we have provided one pickup for the task force”.
Hon. Samuel Owusu Brako
His response drew commendation from the Parliament’s Committee on Local Government and Rural Development members, who noted that logistical constraints remain a major obstacle for many local assemblies. The Committee Chair praised the DCE for taking proactive steps to address the challenge, urging other district executives to emulate Achiase’s example.
The Committee further commended Hon. Brako for his collaborative relationship with his Member of Parliament (MP), describing it as a model for local governance.
“Honorable DCE, we did some background checks, and your MP was full of praise for you. It’s important that we recognize that the district assembly concept, as envisaged by our forefathers, is to prosecute nothing but development. You may have different methods, but as long as you have the same vision, you must work together.”
A Member of the Parliament’s Committee on Local Government and Rural Development
Commitment to Teamwork
In his response, Hon. Brako reaffirmed his commitment to teamwork and accountability. He said his audit background in the private sector had equipped him with the discipline necessary to ensure financial integrity in public administration.
“One of the critical issues we identified was the failure to submit payment vouchers for pre-auditing. Since I assumed office, I have spoken with the internal auditor to ensure that every payment is checked before it goes through.”
Hon. Samuel Owusu Brako
On the issue of flooding, Mr. Brako told the Committee that Achiase District had not yet experienced flooding but acknowledged the need for vigilance in urban planning to prevent future risks.
The Chair cautioned that the district should enforce strict building regulations to avoid the mistakes of other districts that now suffer from severe flooding due to construction on waterways. Hon. Brako welcomed the advice, assuring the Committee that Achiase would continue to prioritize proper spatial planning.
Common Fund Use
Providing updates on the district’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund, the DCE disclosed that Achiase had so far received GHS 636,815.17, which had been allocated toward key ongoing projects.
“So far, we have received GHS 6, 036,815.17,” he said, adding that his administration was focused on completing what he called “legacy projects” initiated under the current government. He revealed that the district had identified 15 such projects, with 10 currently in procurement stages for completion.
These include the completion and furnishing of the Asikaso CHPS Compound, a two-unit kindergarten block at Anamase, toilet facilities at Achiase, Duakon, and Achiase Methodist, a six-unit classroom block at Achiase Islamic Primary, the Achiase Methodist water project, a new classroom block at Achiase LA JHS, and the completion of the Aperade Police Station.
Hon Brako credited the progress to prudent financial management and support from the central government under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The Parliament’s Committee on Local Government and Rural Development Chair expressed satisfaction with the DCE’s responses and lauded his leadership for promoting accountability and inclusive governance. “I am very satisfied with your responses, and I want to congratulate you for a good job done,” the Chair remarked.
Hon. Brako thanked the Committee for its guidance and pledged to sustain fiscal discipline, transparency, and collaboration to accelerate the district’s growth. “Thank you very much for the compliment and advice — well taken,” he said.
The Achiase DCE’s appearance before the Public Accounts Committee underscored his commitment to effective local governance and responsible financial management.
His proactive measures to enhance revenue collection, strengthen internal auditing, and complete critical infrastructure projects earned him commendation from both Parliament and his constituents, reinforcing the district’s focus on development through accountability.
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