Central Regional Minister vows prudent use of Common Fund, prioritizes development and sanitation
By Eugene Davis
Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has pledged to ensure the judicious use of his region’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to accelerate development in the Central Region.
The Minister made this commitment when he appeared before the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament, alongside some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), to respond to issues raised in the annual internal audit reports of the assemblies.
During the hearing, Committee Chairperson Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr expressed concern that some MMDCEs had left significant funds unutilized, resulting in idle balances in accounts while essential projects and amenities remained unexecuted.
In response, Mr. Eduamoah stressed the importance of adhering strictly to guidelines to avoid financial infractions and misuse of public funds. He revealed that the region had already received ₵10 million from just two tranches of the Common Fund, emphasizing the need for vigilance in its disbursement.
“As a Minister, you must ensure that the right thing is done. Infractions are what undermine progress. If we close those gaps, we can execute projects effectively,” he told the Parliamentary Press Corps in a sideline interview.
On the issue of funds lying idle in district accounts, he explained that the delay was largely due to statutory processes.
“Assemblies must meet, sub-committees have to sit, and due diligence must be carried out before disbursement. It is not about rushing to spend money simply because it is available. That in itself would constitute an infraction,” he clarified.
Mr. Eduamoah assured that while the processes may take time, they are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term value for the region.
Tackling Sanitation and Leaving a Legacy
The Minister also pledged to prioritize sanitation, vowing to make the Central Region one of the cleanest in Ghana.
“Sanitation has become a moral issue—about whether people know what is right or wrong. My goal is to lay a foundation for a cleaner, healthier Central Region,” he said.
Outlining his vision, he added that his legacy would be rooted in youth empowerment, skill development, and the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
“It may not be a big legacy, but it must be an indelible mark—that someone was here and left the Central Region cleaner, galamsey-free, and equipped with a skilled youth ready for the future,” he stated.
Region’s economic significance
The Central Region is one of Ghana’s most economically diverse areas, with a strong base in services, followed by mining, fishing, and agriculture. It is also a major educational hub, home to some of the country’s top schools and universities. The region further thrives on tourism, attracting thousands of visitors annually to historic sites such as Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, as well as natural attractions like Kakum National Park.
