Government Releases GH¢987.9 Million to District Assemblies for Q1 2025 – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the release of GH¢987,965,730 to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), representing the first-quarter disbursement for 2025.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, the Minister said the amount was transferred on Monday, June 2, from the Consolidated Fund as part of the government’s agenda to bolster local governance and decentralized development.

“As of yesterday, [June 2], the DACF has received and we have transferred the sum of GH¢987,965,730 from the Consolidated Fund,” Dr. Forson told MPs.

80% Mandated for Direct District Allocation

Dr. Forson emphasized that 80% of the total disbursement must be sent directly to the various district assemblies, with no exceptions, urging the Administrator of the DACF to comply fully.

“Being the first-quarter amount due the DACF for 2025, the Administrator is required to ensure that 80% of this amount is transferred directly to the district assemblies without fail,” he stressed.

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The Finance Minister further directed that expenditure returns from the districts must be submitted to the Ministry of Finance as a condition for any future disbursements.

MPs Urged to Monitor Fund Usage

Dr. Forson called on Members of Parliament to actively monitor the use of the funds in their constituencies to ensure alignment with the development priorities set by Cabinet under President John Dramani Mahama.

“Honourable Members of Parliament are also encouraged to monitor the utilisation of this amount sent to their respective district assemblies in line with the approved guidelines,” he said.

Boost for Local Development

The timely disbursement is expected to support grassroots infrastructure projects, fund key social initiatives, and ensure local authorities are well-resourced to fulfill their first-quarter mandates.

The release also reflects the Mahama administration’s commitment to revitalizing local governance, improving transparency in public spending, and restoring confidence in Ghana’s fiscal decentralization framework.