In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s decentralization efforts, President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Michael Harry Yamsom as the new Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
This follows the unanimous approval of Yamsom’s nomination by Parliament, in accordance with Article 252(4) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 3 of the District Assemblies Common Fund Act, 1993 (Act 455).
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama expressed his gratitude to Parliament for its swift and diligent vetting process, which he described as a demonstration of commitment to good governance and institutional integrity.
“In my recent address in Tamale, I emphasized the crucial role every part of Ghana must play in our national development. The framers of our 1992 Constitution recognized this principle and, as a result, embedded decentralization and local governance as foundational pillars of our democratic framework.”
He further reiterated the importance of empowering local governments, stressing that Ghana’s development can only be fully realized if every region, district, and community is given the necessary financial and administrative support to harness its unique potential.
The DACF and it’s Challenges:
Despite its constitutional mandate to promote equitable development, the District Assemblies Common Fund has faced significant challenges in recent years.
President Mahama highlighted key setbacks, including financial constraints resulting from the 2017 Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act (Act 947).
Although the Supreme Court later ruled that sections of the Act affecting the DACF were unconstitutional, the prolonged period of implementation had severe implications on local governance.
According to President Mahama, many district assemblies experienced stalled infrastructure projects, inadequate service delivery, and growing frustration among local authorities due to delayed and insufficient disbursements of the statutory 5% of total national revenue.
“These setbacks have deprived our districts of much-needed funds and hindered essential development efforts. If we are to truly uphold the spirit of decentralization and inclusive growth, we must correct these shortcomings.”
In addressing these challenges, President Mahama emphasized the need for competent leadership at the helm of the DACF.
He expressed confidence in Michael Harry Yamsom’s ability to navigate these obstacles and reposition the fund as a catalyst for grassroots development.
“Mr. Yamsom is a seasoned strategist and governance expert with extensive experience in financial systems, investment planning, and corporate governance. His career has been defined by a commitment to operational excellence, accountability, and sustainable growth.”
President Mahama charged Yamsom with ensuring that DACF allocations are disbursed transparently and efficiently while enforcing strict financial discipline to maximize the impact of the fund.
Beyond appointing a capable administrator, President Mahama assured that his government is committed to ensuring the timely and adequate release of DACF allocations.
He announced that the 2025 budget includes a firm commitment to remitting at least 80% of DACF allocations directly to district assemblies.
“In the past, as much as 47% of the common fund was disbursed from the center, leaving very little at the discretion of local authorities. Our new policy is designed to eliminate unnecessary delays and empower local governments to plan and execute projects with certainty.”
He further outlined plans to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the utilization of DACF funds, ensuring accountability and efficiency in project implementation.
President Mahama concluded by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to decentralization.
“When we invest wisely in local government today, we secure national progress for generations to come. Mr. Yamsom, I congratulate you once again and wish you the very best in your new role. May your tenure be marked by progress, efficiency, and impactful service to our beloved nation.”
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in DACF Administrator, Michael Harry Yamsom, expressed his gratitude to President Mahama and Parliament for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the fund fulfills its constitutional mandate.
“The call confirming my appointment arrived at 12:41 a.m. from the Honourable Minister for Finance, who asked if I was ready for the task ahead. I responded with an emphatic yes.”
He underscored the core mission of the DACF, which is to bridge developmental gaps by ensuring equitable resource distribution across all districts, particularly those suffering from infrastructure deficits, poor healthcare, inadequate educational facilities, and other socio-economic challenges.
“My task, alongside my team, is to ensure that over the next four years, we do justice to these underserved communities,” he affirmed.
Yamsom further highlighted the necessity of close collaboration between the DACF, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely disbursements and efficient fund utilization.
He disclosed that the 2025 DACF formula is nearing completion, with allocations already surpassing the 80% benchmark set by the government.
The appointment of Michael Harry Yamsom and the government’s renewed commitment to the DACF signal a fresh approach to local governance.
With a strong emphasis on transparency, financial discipline, and timely disbursements, the administration aims to restore public confidence in the DACF and enhance its effectiveness as a tool for inclusive development.