Ahmed Ibrahim Questions Use of Disability Fund, Raises Concern Over Idle Development Resources

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

Accra, Ghana – The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen accountability and ensure the prudent use of public resources to accelerate local development.

The Minister made the call during engagements with selected Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region as part of the ongoing District Accountability Tour. His visits covered the Ayawaso West, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso Central and Ayawaso East Municipal Assemblies.

The tour is aimed at promoting financial discipline, improving project implementation and ensuring that statutory allocations translate into tangible development outcomes for citizens.

A major concern raised by the Minister was the utilisation of funds earmarked for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). He questioned how the allocations are being managed at the Assembly level and stressed the need for strict adherence to the intended purpose of the Disability Fund.

According to Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the fund remains a vital intervention for advancing inclusion, supporting livelihoods and improving the welfare of Persons with Disabilities. He therefore urged Assembly authorities to ensure that the resources directly benefit the intended beneficiaries.

The Minister also expressed concern over the existence of idle development funds in some Assembly accounts, warning that delays in utilising available resources hinder project delivery and deprive communities of essential services.

He emphasized that allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund, internally generated funds (IGF) and donor-supported programmes must be effectively deployed to complete ongoing projects, develop infrastructure and improve living conditions across communities.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim further urged Assemblies to strengthen internal control systems, improve planning mechanisms and ensure the timely execution of development projects to maximize the impact of public investments.

“Accountability must go beyond compliance and result in real, measurable benefits for citizens,” he noted.

The District Accountability Tour forms part of government’s broader efforts to deepen transparency, efficiency and accountability in local governance while ensuring that public resources are effectively utilised to drive development at the grassroots level.