An assembly member from the Upper East Region has written to the Ministry of Local Government and Religious Affairs questioning the non-payment of allowances for 2025 and seeking clarification on the status of funds allocated in this year’s budget.
Solomon Asampana Anabia, Assembly Member for Bongo Kunkua-Daliga, said assembly members have received only two months’ worth of allowances this year despite a quarterly payment schedule outlined in the 2025 budget.
“Regrettably, despite the quarterly payment schedule, we have only received two months’ worth of funds this year,” Mr. Asampana wrote to the minister and National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana executives.
The allowances are payable quarterly through the District Assembly Common Fund, an initiative Mr. Asampana described as a welcome development that recognized challenges faced by assembly members.
With the 2026 budget presented Thursday, November 13, including fresh allocations for assembly members, Mr. Asampana raised questions about the 2025 payments.
“What has happened to the remaining 2025 allowances?” he asked in the letter. “Are these funds being withheld from hardworking Assembly Members, rolled over to next year, or diverted for alternative purposes?”
Mr. Asampana questioned whether the delay represents a genuine government intention or a misstep by the ministry.
“Was the government’s intention genuine, or is this a misstep by your ministry?” he wrote.
The assembly member urged the minister to reconsider the situation and ensure prompt payment of outstanding allowances.
“This will enable us to contribute effectively to the resetting agenda and foster inclusive development,” Mr. Asampana wrote.
He praised President John Dramani Mahama’s understanding of assembly members’ challenges and commitment to supporting them at the unit, local, zonal and district levels.
“As custodians of power at the unit, local, zonal, and district levels, we acknowledge the President’s understanding of the challenges faced by Assembly Members and his commitment to supporting us,” Mr. Asampana wrote.
The letter concluded with Asampana stating he awaits a response from the ministry.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Azubire|Bongo
