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The Acting District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) Administrator, Michael Harry Yamson, has underscored the need for advanced technological tools to enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of the fund.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee, Mr Yamson stated that modern applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), could significantly improve the analysis of financial data and ensure better oversight.
"I do believe that there are modern tools—applications, AI—that allow us to better interrogate our numbers far more sharply than what was available to us in the past," he said.
Mr Yamson pointed out that managing a GH?7 billion fund requires more than basic tools like Excel, stressing the need for more sophisticated financial management systems.
When asked how he plans to enhance transparency and prevent mismanagement, he explained that DACF expenditures should be measured based on their impact on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and access to essential services.
Mr Yamson acknowledged that monitoring at the DACF had been increased to six times a year under his predecessor, which was a positive step. However, he insisted that further improvements were necessary to strengthen the fund’s ability to track expenditures and outcomes at the district level.
"We have always done monitoring at the DACF. Under my predecessor, monitoring was increased to six times a year, which is good. What we need to do now is improve the ability of the centre to interrogate its own activities and expenditures at the district level," he noted.
He further stressed that better monitoring and the use of AI-powered systems would offer a clearer picture of government spending effectiveness.
"In no way a criticism, but newer tools will give us a sharper view to understand how much of the money we spend actually translates into positive change in the lives of citizens in our various districts," he added.
