The CDD-Ghana has called on the government to increase the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) from the current minimum of 5% to at least 10%, as part of broader efforts to strengthen local governance and enhance development at the district level.

The proposal was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement held in Wa, Upper West Region, where key actors gathered to discuss findings from studies on local governance reforms and recommendations from the Constitutional Review process.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, April 16, Programmes Manager at CDD-Ghana, Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah,  emphasised that improving the financial capacity of district assemblies is critical to effective decentralisation.

“We are asking the government to cede some of the taxable avenues in the district to the local assemblies to enable them to undertake their own taxation,” he stated.

“In addition, the percentage of the District Assemblies Common Fund should be increased from at least 5% to at least 10%.”

According to him, many assemblies remain financially weak and overly dependent on central government transfers, limiting their ability to implement development projects and respond effectively to local needs.

Mr. Mensah cautioned that the current constitutional review process presents a rare opportunity for meaningful reform, urging citizens to actively participate in upcoming consultations.

“When we miss this chance, we miss it. It is an opportunity. This is the second time a Constitutional Review Committee has been formed. The first time, we did not make use of the recommendations. If we miss this one, it will be very difficult to mobilise resources to undertake such a process again.”

The Presiding Member of the Wa Municipal Assembly, Abdul Wahab Nuhu, called for a review of the electoral process for presiding members, proposing a shift from the current two-thirds majority requirement to a simple majority system.

Mr. Wahab explained that the existing requirement of a two-thirds majority, as stipulated in the standard model standing orders, often creates delays and complications in the election of presiding members within assemblies.

According to him, the process can become prolonged and inefficient, especially in situations where multiple candidates contest the position.

“At times, three people may contest, and one has to step down. When that happens, the election is rescheduled, sometimes after ten days, and still no candidate can secure the required two-thirds majority,” he explained.

He added that such delays leave assemblies without presiding members for extended periods, thereby affecting the smooth functioning of assembly business.

Mr. Wahab argued that adopting a simple majority system would make the process more efficient and ensure that assemblies are able to elect presiding members within a shorter time frame.