The Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), have called on all assembly members across the country to fully support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to enable him achieve his vision of transforming the various districts through the introduction of Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF).
Dr. Bawumia, at the NPP manifesto launch last Sunday in Takoradiwhich anchored on “Selfless Leadership, Bold Solutions for Jobs and Business,” said the New Patriotic Party (NPP), when elected, will “institute an Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF) for assembly members to facilitate development at the Electoral Area level.”
Speaking at the press conference yesterday in Accra, assembly members from various electoral areas in Accra unanimously endorsed the vision saying, “it is going to enhance accountability.”
According to the General Secretary of the Association, Alfred Asiedu Adjei, with a dedicated fund, assembly members will be more accountable to their constituents, as the direct management of resources will require regular reporting and transparency in expenditures and also strengthen leadership and influence.
He said access to the EASCF will elevate the role of assembly members in local governance, enhance their leadership influence and make them key players in the development process at the grassroots level.
“As Greater Accra Assembly Members Association (GAAM), we are fully committed to supporting the government in this endeavour. We believe that with the right resources, we can transform our respective electoral areas into hubs of development. It is a game changer,” he stressed.
He said bureaucratic bottlenecks which have characterised approval processes to access funds for local projects would be reduced to the barest minimum.
This,Mr. Adjei emphasised, would ensure faster implementation of initiatives that would also address urgent community needs in a timely manner.
“Communities will benefit from better roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other critical infrastructure as assembly members can more easily direct funds to areas most in need of improvement. The EASCF will allow for development projects that reflect the unique needs and priorities of each community, leading to more relevant and impactful outcomes, greater community engagement, and participation,”he added.
The assembly members,who described the policy as a game changer, disclosed that the target use of funds for local economic projects through the EASCF for projects such as markets, small businesses, and agricultural support will not only stimulate local economies, create jobs, and reduce poverty within communities but also increase trust in local governance,as communities will witness tangible improvements.
While touting some achievements of the administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Naa Toshie Addo, Mr. Adjei said it will also enhance the work already being done under her administration in strengthening local governance structures, which have led to better cooperation between citizens and their local representatives.
He, therefore, called on assembly members to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumiain the December 7 elections, in order to enable him achieve the vision of transforming the country with policies that will impact local communities.
“Fellow assembly members, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines as this visionary proposal is brought to life. The Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund is our chance to make a lasting impact in our communities.
“We call on all assembly members across Greater Accra and the rest of the 16 regions to rally behind this initiative.
“Let us work together to ensure that this policy becomes a reality, for it is not just about politics but the future of our communities and the wellbeing of our people,” he added.
Assembly men and women from Ablekuma,Ablekuma West, Ayawaso, SantaMaria, Mamobi West, Ga North, Ga West, KorleKlottey,Ledzokuku, La Nkwantanang among several others were present during the press conference.
Also present at the GAAM pressconference were chiefs and opinion leaders from the various electoral areas in the Greater Accra Region.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah