The Nkwanta North District Assembly in Ghana has been summoned by Parliament's Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources to provide further clarification on its presentation regarding the use of District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocations for sanitation. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the Assembly's presentation during its assessment of nine assemblies in the Oti Region.
Member of Parliament for Salaga South and member of the Committee, Ibrahimah Mohammed Zuwera, stated that the Assembly would be invited to provide further details on its sanitation spending. The Committee identified concerns with the presentation and will engage the Assembly further before reaching conclusions. This exercise is part of Parliament's broader accountability efforts to examine how Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are accessing and using their DACF allocations for water and sanitation.
The Committee's exercise aims to assess whether the 10% sanitation allocation from the DACF is being used for its intended purpose and whether the funding is translating into tangible improvements in sanitation. The findings will also help Parliament identify challenges facing assemblies in accessing and implementing sanitation projects. Ms. Zuwera emphasized that public funds are not for personal use and urged assemblies to provide accurate information during the accountability exercise.
Ms. Zuwera also cautioned assemblies against attributing implementation challenges to delays in the release of the District Assemblies Common Fund, where allocations have already been transferred. According to her, the two quarterly DACF allocations for 2026 had been paid. She therefore urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and their respective teams to provide accurate information during the accountability exercise.
The Nkwanta North District Assembly's appearance before the Committee is part of a broader effort to ensure that MMDAs are using their DACF allocations effectively and efficiently. The Committee's exercise is intended to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. By engaging with the Assembly, the Committee aims to ensure that sanitation projects are implemented effectively and that the needs of local communities are met.
The Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources is committed to ensuring that MMDAs prioritize sanitation and water resources in their development plans. The Committee's efforts are aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving the living standards of local communities. By holding assemblies accountable for their use of DACF allocations, the Committee seeks to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.
The Nkwanta North District Assembly's appearance before the Committee is expected to provide further insights into its sanitation spending and implementation of sanitation projects. The Committee's engagement with the Assembly is part of its efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and effective use of public funds in the sanitation sector.
Key points
- The Nkwanta North District Assembly will appear before Parliament's Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources to provide further clarification on its use of DACF allocations for sanitation.
- The Committee's exercise aims to assess whether the 10% sanitation allocation from the DACF is being used for its intended purpose and whether the funding is translating into tangible improvements in sanitation.
- The Committee seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds and ensure that sanitation projects are implemented effectively to meet the needs of local communities.
