Naa Torshie Throws Weight Behind New DACF Boss

Nii Lante Vanmderpuye (L), Naa Torshie (2nd L), and the new DACF boss, Michael Harry Yamson (M), met with the Local Government Minister.

Irene Naa Torshie Addo, the former DACF Administrator, supports Mr. Yamson. She believes he will succeed in his new role.

After attending Mr. Yamson’s vetting, she spoke to the press in Parliament. Naa Torshie is optimistic he will get the support needed for his duties.

She is the first former DACF Administrator to attend a new Administrator's vetting since 1992. This gesture shows maturity, as past officeholders rarely offer public support during government changes.

Naa Torshie served under former President Akufo-Addo and led many infrastructure projects nationwide. President Akufo-Addo praised her efforts in building court facilities and judges' quarters.

She also contributed significantly to the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). This initiative aimed to improve road networks for local economic growth and better living conditions.

Mr. Yamson assured that he would audit funds from DACF used for DRIP equipment last year. The equipment includes heavy machinery like water tankers and motor graders.

He stated that while 2024 DACF budget disbursements would be audited as required by law, he would also support auditing funds used for purchasing DRIP equipment when necessary.

This assurance came after a question from Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi. He asked if Mr. Yamson would audit funds taken from DACF by the previous government in 2024.

The previous government failed to set up Management Committees in some districts to manage this equipment.

Mr. Yamson plans to create a formula with Finance and Local Government ministers to ensure 80% of DACF funds go to various assemblies for development purposes.

This approach follows President Mahama's policy of releasing 80% of DACF funds to Assemblies.

“My duty is non-partisan,” Mr. Yamson stated, “and I will address development inequities across the country.”

He emphasized that Assemblies should utilize e-commerce platforms to boost their internally generated funds (IGFs). This strategy aims to reduce reliance on central government support.

Mr. Yamson committed to timely fund disbursements and collaboration with Regional Coordinating Councils and sector ministries for accountability and transparency in fund usage.