The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has stressed the need for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

She underscored that prudent management of public resources was critical to building trust, improving service delivery and achieving national development goals.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang (head of table) addressing officials of the ministry

She made the remarks during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs of government’s yesterday.

According to her, government’s support must go hand in hand with responsibility, openness and results that directly benefit citizens.

The Vice President also called for stronger collaboration between government and the ministry, noting that effective governance depends on mutual respect and cooperation across all sectors.

She pointed out that Ghana operates both traditional and modern systems of governance, and said these must be recognised, respected and made to work together in harmony to ensure peace, stability and progress.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the ministry for its achievements, expressing satisfaction that its successes far outweigh the complaints recorded against it.

She reminded officials that governance is a collective effort and that every individual involved, regardless of rank or position, plays an important role and deserves respect and recognition.

She urged officials to go beyond focusing solely on financial inputs and instead pay closer attention to the real impact of policies and programmes on communities.

The Vice President encouraged the ministry to support institutions and individuals facing challenges, so they can improve their performance and contribute meaningfully to national development.

She called on officials to work together in a spirit of cooperation and nation-building, guided by the national interest.

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, said government was strengthening accountability measures to ensure that the District Assembly Common Fund is used for the direct benefit of citizens.

He disclosed that a Social Accountability Committee has been rolled out to monitor projects across district assemblies, while sector-wide monitoring systems have also been introduced to track the effective use of funds.

According to him, these measures were aimed at improving transparency, preventing misuse of resources and ensuring value for money.

The minister noted that the enhanced transparency has increased donor confidence, leading to greater support for local development projects.

He mentioned initiatives such as 24-hour model markets and sanitation projects as some of the areas benefiting from increased funding and oversight.

Mr Ibrahim expressed confidence that the accountability measures would strengthen service delivery and speed up development at the local level, while reinforcing public trust in government programmes and institutions.