Parliament to sanction district assemblies misapplying Disability Funds

By Eugene Davis

The Chairperson of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr, has issued a stern warning to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country to desist from misusing or diverting funds meant for Persons With Disability (PWDs) under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

Under Ghana’s DACF Act, three percent (3%) of the total allocation to each District Assembly is reserved for the PWD Fund. This quota is specifically intended to support persons with disabilities in the areas of livelihood empowerment, education, healthcare, and capacity development. However, various reports and studies, including a 2023,2024 Auditor-General’s report on MMDCEs, have revealed persistent irregularities in the management of these funds—ranging from delays and diversions to outright misuse by some assemblies.

Speaking during a Local Government and Rural Development Committee sitting in Parliament, Hon. Pokuah Sawyerr emphasized her commitment to ensuring that the fund serves its intended purpose.

“A lot of monies meant for the disabled are often taken by assemblies under the excuse that they are borrowing and will replace them later. Whether they ever replace them, nobody knows. What pains me most is that the same funds are sometimes used to buy items for PWDs without consultation, as if it’s at the discretion of the assembly. Any of us can become disabled at any moment, so we must protect this fund with all seriousness,” she said.

She further noted that the Committee has received troubling reports from several districts indicating that funds meant for PWDs have been misapplied.“We have identified over 27 districts where these issues persist. Some assemblies have dipped their hands into monies that do not belong to them. We will be visiting these districts to verify the reports, and once confirmed, we will ensure accountability. Whether it is the Finance Officer, Coordinating Director, or the DCE involved, action will be taken,” the Chairperson stressed.

Hon. Sawyerr reiterated that there is a clear quota and spending guideline under the DACF Act and the Persons With Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), and that deviation from these legal frameworks is unacceptable. She attributed most of the challenges to weak monitoring and lack of enforcement at the district level.

“Because the monitoring level is low, some assemblies are abusing the system. That is why the Committee on Local Government is intensifying its oversight visits to ensure compliance,” she added.

The Committee is expected to compile a comprehensive report on the management of the PWD Fund, which will be presented to the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and the Chief of Staff. The report, expected within a week, will recommend specific sanctions and reforms to strengthen accountability and ensure that the 3% allocation reaches its rightful beneficiaries.