Gov’t committed to equipping MMDAs to drive local dev’t – Prof. Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says the government is committed to providing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the resources needed to improve local development and enhance service delivery.

She said strengthening local governance remains a key priority under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which places decentralisation at the centre of national development.

Speaking at the Sister Cities International 70th Anniversary Homecoming Conference in Washington D.C., United States, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the government’s commitment is demonstrated by the GH¢4.4 billion allocation to the District Assemblies Common Fund in the 2025 Budget.

According to her, the allocation is intended to increase the capacity of local authorities to deliver essential services and respond more effectively to the needs of communities.

“As the government works to strengthen local governance, unprecedented resources are being channelled directly to our District Assemblies today. The government is not only devolving responsibility but also providing local governments with significant additional resources,” she said.

The Vice President, however, cautioned that increased funding alone would not automatically translate into development unless resources are managed responsibly and projects are aligned with the needs of citizens.

She stressed the need for local interventions to be guided by evidence, accountability, and measurable outcomes to ensure communities benefit from government investments.

“We are determined to ensure that these resources are managed responsibly and that the promise translates into tangible results. Yet, financial resources, vital as they are, will not guarantee success on their own,” she stated.

She added that development programmes must be responsive to citizens’ needs and produce visible improvements in villages, towns, and cities.

“Development interventions must respond to the needs of our citizens. They must be informed by evidence, guided by accountability and measurable, so that the benefits are felt in our villages, towns, and cities,” she added.