Minority Angry Over Government Failure To Honour Statutory Payments

Mr. Annor Dompreh Addresses the Media

The Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has criticized the government. He claims it collects taxes but fails to make statutory payments. This includes payments to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

He warned that this refusal will harm local economies. Annoh-Dompreh spoke to the media in Accra on May 22, 2025. He called the government's actions a violation of the Local Governance Act (Act 936).

“It is surprising that almost six months have passed,” he said. “Out of GHS7.51 billion allocated, not even a penny has gone to the Assemblies.”

In March 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Casiel Ato Forson announced a new policy. This policy aims to increase direct funding to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The goal is for 80% of DACF funds to go directly to local authorities.

Dr. Forson stated this would reduce bureaucratic delays. It would also help district assemblies execute development projects more efficiently.

A budget of GHS7.51 billion was allocated for various projects. These include infrastructure development, sanitation, education, and health initiatives.

However, three months after the budget presentation, no funds have been released. Six months into the new administration, local assemblies are still waiting.

Hon. Annoh-Dompreh noted that this delay hinders local development efforts. “This means Persons with Disabilities will struggle,” he said. “Development will be stagnant and people will suffer.”

He also mentioned other unpaid allocations like those for GETFund and NHIA. Additionally, second-quarter releases to Parliament have not been made.

Annoh-Dompreh questioned why the government ignores these payments while collecting taxes meant for them.

“Don’t forget that the Growth and Sustainability Levy increased from 1% to 3%,” he added. “The NPP planned for it to end in 2025; now it’s extended to 2028.”

He pointed out increases in Import Levy and VAT on non-life insurance as well.

“You collect these taxes yet ignore your legal payment obligations,” he concluded angrily.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi