Her Lordship, who made the suggestion today, [Tuesday] in the Upper East Region during a three-day working visit, explained that, the unfavorable conditions of Ghana’s courts and the inconvenience caused by lack of courts in some districts, is hindering the delivery of justice.

[contextly_sidebar id=”NJt9mSy8xxXd8JMAeAuqr2yT2rv0eQq9″]A tour of the six courts in thirteen districts in the Upper East Region, showed that some of them had not seen any renovation works over the past years.

It was against this backdrop, that the Chief Justice, Sophia  Akuffo, underscored the need for part of the district assemblies’ common fund to be used to rehabilitate and build new courts for easy access and quality delivery  of Justice.

Chief Justice Sophia  Akuffo, also hinted that, judges will soon be required to adopt the use of technology in the adjudication and delivery of justice.

“We are going to have a holistic approach to address the dilapidated courts in the country.  So we will try and at least begin a program of serious rehabilitation, renovation, proper maintenance and even sometimes replacement of our courts. We are coming with an arrangement with the administrator of the district assembly common fund so that, they make sure that, part of that fund if not all of it, is spent on building  new courts  in districts without courts and where there are, and in a mess, that those district courts are refurbished.”

“It is my hope that, by the time that my term ends, we would have completed a significant numbers of constructions, refurbishment, rehabilitation and repairs of our courts.”

Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo hinted that, judges will soon be required to adopt the use of technology in the adjudication and delivery of justice.

“From the districts courts through to the hierarchy of courts, judges would need to adopt the use of technology in the adjudication and delivery of justice, because we do see cases which have taken so long before reaching the Supreme Court, you wonder whether there is any value met by the litigants. Judicial outcomes must add some value to the people who come to the courts and many times, the timeliness of delivery of justice is key.”

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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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His assertion was in agreement with the Citi Breakfast Show discussion on Tuesday, spearheaded by Host Bernard Avle, which advocated the need for government to reduce or in some case cut subventions to MMDAs to enable them generate their own revenue for the needed development.

The Citi CBS discussants were of the view that when this happens, government can then spend such monies to develop the rural parts of Ghana in less-endowed assemblies by providing them with basic amenities.

Bernard Avle, who made the proposals ahead of the 2018 budget statement to be delivered on November 15, 2017, made a direct appeal to the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, to consider these proposals in order to wean the country from aid and loans.

Most of the MMDAs depend on some statutory funds especially the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to undertake development projects within the local assemblies.

The government releases to the assemblies often delay for several months before they are released.

Regardless of these amounts, assemblies also rely on internally generated funds, amount many believe should be enough to adequately cater for assemblies’ needs if loopholes are blocked and proper tax systems are in place.

[contextly_sidebar id=”xWuM0RRhDwtGeUvtMzakWWOumtlodXrd”]Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, the Tema MCE agreed that they can do without full government support if adequate measures are put in place to beef up internal mobilization of revenue.

He noted that the funds they generate internally are even more than what they receive from government.

“In Tema, our IGF is always more than what we get from common fund. It has never been a case where common fund will be bigger than IGF. It is about four times what we receive from common fund,” he said.

When asked by show host, Bernard Avle whether the Tema Metropolitan Assembly would be able to raise enough money to undertake development projects without receiving DACF, Mr. Anang-La said “sure, we can do that.”

The MCE said his outfit makes a lot from property rates, business operating permits, sewerage permits among others.

“There are a lot of [revenue] leakages that we are putting measures in place to get them blocked.”

“We in TMA have decided to go in for a private consultant who is going to work in close relation with our engineers so that we do property-rate checks. Even normal permits, some people find ways and means to pay less than they ought to. All these are draining the assembly. Even those who are paying are paying less than they ought to. The property rates, business operating permits and the money that we receive from our sewerage permit. Always, the business operating permits give us more,” he added.

Awutu Senya East can also survive

Alhaji Danaa, an Assembly member for Iron City in the Awutu Senya East District in the Central Region, who also shared his views on the Citi Breakfast Show, attested to the fact that the districts could make it without the support of government.

He is of the view that this would be achieved if revenue loopholes are blocked.

He however advised that “if the government will put in the measures that will prevent revenue collectors from stealing the money, all what I can say is that we can only make it at the assembly level. The government will get huge sums of money if they are able to put a stop to all these things.”
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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Naa Torshie will replace Kojo Fynn, the former administrator who was relieved of his post by President Akufo-Addo earlier this year.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Fu3x4Cf3nX8mELkeQzrRtRf7o0cB8Lh2″]Approving her nomination, Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye said : “This honourable house has approved the nomination of Mrs. Irene Naa Torshie Addo for appointment as Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund in accordance with Article 252 (4) of the Constitution. May I take the opportunity to congratulate her on your behalf.”

The District Assemblies’ Common Fund is a pool of resources created under Article 252 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana.

The pool is provided with at least 5% of the national revenue, set aside to be shared among all District Assemblies in Ghana with a formula approved by Parliament. Although the constitution does not state explicitly that allocations from the fund be made to MPs or regional coordinating councils, the country currently allocates a fraction of the fund to MPs and Regional Coordinating Councils.

Naa Torshie’s plans for Assemblies 

Naa Torshie, during her vetting, proposed new measures including borrowing from banks to end the perennial challenge of the delay in the payment of Assemblies’ share of the Common Fund.

Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, Irene Naa Toshie Addo said a combination of extensive lobbying and borrowing from banks to fill the gap can deal with the problem.

Naa Torshie said, she will lobby “the Finance Minister and keep on pushing…and I’m going to involve Parliament—Finance, committee, local government committee, leadership.”

“I will be knocking on your doors; you have to help, if given the nod, to make sure the money comes in and the right amount comes in. That is very important… If I’m given the nod, once we have the power to be able to invest some of the money to be able to accrue some interest, I’m looking at, with the permission of my minister, bringing certain proposals like this to Parliament to find out whether or not in certain circumstances, just to keep the timelines so that there is no disappointments so that they can plan and manage their areas…I’m thinking about innovative things like that, maybe being allowed at certain times to borrow money for them and pay when the fund comes in,” she added.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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The post Naa Torshie approved as Common Fund Administrator appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Per the constitution, not less than 5 percent of national revenue is to be allocated to the Common Fund for disbursement to various assemblies, but over the years, payments delay, thus affecting development at the local level.

[contextly_sidebar id=”mrLrZeHzIXce5QXGWLWXRS43it1hH6C6″]Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, Irene Naa Toshie Addo said a combination of extensive lobbying and borrowing from banks to fill the gap can deal with the problem.

Naa Torshie said, she will lobby “the Finance Minister and keep on pushing…and I’m going to involve Parliament—Finance, committee, local government committee, leadership.”

“I will be knocking on your doors; you have to help, if given the nod, to make sure the money comes in and the right amount comes in. That is very important… If I’m given the nod, once we have the power to be able to invest some of the money to be able to accrue some interest, I’m looking at, with the permission of my minister, bringing certain proposals like this to Parliament to find out whether or not in certain circumstances, just to keep the timelines so that there is no disappointments so that they can plan and manage their areas…I’m thinking about innovative things like that, maybe being allowed at certain times to borrow money for them and pay when the fund comes in,” she added.

Naa Torshie Addo also stated that, the government’s one million dollar per constituency programme, could affect the formula for the distribution of the Common Fund.

“…Directly, it will not affect the formula but as time goes on, it could affect the formula. When you look at basic needs, the districts that have more schools and hospitals are given less, while those who have less are given more. So with the coming in of this money, if people build more schools, hospitals, among others, they get less of the DACF. But that is not to say that they should build more schools. It could affect it in the long-term.”

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By: Duke Mensah Opoku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Naa Torshie advocates borrowing by MMDAs from local banks appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Former Tema West MP, was named by the President some weeks ago as his nominee for the position.

[contextly_sidebar id=”e2QezXCP6i2fnNQF02crJzQpW2FtV8Mk”]The Administrator monitors the use of the Common Fund by District Assemblies and reports to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development on how the Assemblies utilise the Fund.

Ahead of her vetting, the Minority has indicated that the hearing would be used as a platform to highlight the undue politicisation government has subjected the office of the Common Fund Administrator to.

The Deputy Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee, Muntaka Mubarak told Citi News that the president’s decision to appoint a political figure for the position is wrong.

“The issue of the common fund is such a sensitive position looking at the development of our districts that we should not try to politicise. If she comes, she may not finish her term simply because another government will come in 2020 and say no I’m not going to let you finish your term. I don’t think it is going to auger well.”

“She did not nominate herself so our heat is supposed to be going towards the President who I think, did the wrong thing,” he said.

Naa Torshie Addo, if approved, will replace Kojo Fynn, the former administrator who was relieved of his post by President Akufo-Addo earlier this year.

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By: Duke Mensah Opoku/cififmonline.com/Ghana

The post Naa Torshie to be vetted for Common Fund position today appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Two weeks ago, Kojo Fynn, who is the Administrator, was asked to take an indefinite leave.

He will be replaced by Tema West Member of Parliament, Naa Torshie Addo, although he still has some 24 months to the expiration of his tenure.

The office of the Administrator is categorized under Article 70 of the Constitution and enjoys a secured tenure.

In a Citi News interview, Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, described the move as a depletion of the public purse.

He was optimistic the directive might create some challenges, given that the current Director’s indefinite leave expires after 24 months.

“It is shocking to hear this weekend that the Director of the District Common Fund has been asked to proceed on leave. It is very unfortunate and I am saddened as a Ghanaian knowing that we are now drawing the Administrator of Common Fund into partisanship. If you look at the 1992 constitution, Article 70, it is established just like the Auditor General and some of the Chairpersons of the independent constitutional bodies.”

“Even when this gentleman has 24 months to go, he is being asked to proceed on indefinite leave. What it will mean is that, after the next 24 months, we are going to have two Administrators that we are paying, and the President has assured that we are going to protect the public purse, and I don’t think by asking one to go on indefinite leave and putting another and paying all of them, that is protecting the public purse.”

Some Chief Executive Officers of key state institutions have been replaced since the NPP administration took over.

The President had to for instance terminate the appointment of Metropolitan and Municipal Chief Executives who had refused to proceed on leave since the NPP took over the helm of affairs.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Minority slams Nana Addo for ‘sacking’ Common Fund head appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The plaintiffs, John Ndebugri Awuni and Richard Kwadwo Nyarko, are law students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

[contextly_sidebar id=”BTkVOjwdhgJtch14QgEXzO5wJewNe2hQ”]According to them, such allocation to either Members of Parliament and Regional Coordinating Councils contravenes Article 252 (1), (2), and (3) of the constitution.

The duo are therefore seeking “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of the Constitution, 1992, Members of Parliament and Regional Coordinating Councils are not beneficiaries of monies accruing to the District Assemblies Common Fund, which monies shall be distributed among the District Assemblies on the basis of a formula approved by Parliament, and that previous acts and any prospective act of allocating any portions of monies accruing to the District Assemblies Common Fund to Members of Parliament, styled as Members of Parliament Common Fund or “M.Ps Common Fund” and Regional Coordinating Councils, is inconsistent with and sins against the letter and spirit of articles 252 (1), (2), and (3) of the Constitution, 1992.

They are also seeking an injunction on the distribution of portions of the money to the MPs or Regional Coordinating Councils, until the final determination of the case

[They are seeking an] “Interim injunction order restraining the District Assemblies Common Fund Administrator, his agents, assigns and servants from allocating or disbursing any portion or share of monies accruing to the District Assemblies Common Fund to Members of Parliament under any guise and Regional Coordinating Councils until the final determination of this suit.”

The District Assemblies’ Common Fund is a pool of resources created under Article 252 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana.

The pool is provided with at least 5% of the national revenue set aside to be shared among all District Assemblies in Ghana with a formula approved by Parliament.

Although the constitution, does not state explicitly that allocations from the fund be made to MPs or regional coordinating councils, the country currently allocates a fraction of the fund to MPs and Regional Coordinating Councils.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor

The post AG sued over common fund allocation to MPs, RCCs appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the fund, together with its managers, only slow down development, and cost the country additional money that could be used for other projects.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Citi FM on Saturday, Mr. Casely-Hayford said it would be prudent for government to employ an electronic system that will enable the transfer of fund directly to the various assemblies rather than distributing it through a central resource pool.

He noted, “you have built a district assembly common fund and administrator and you are spending money on him and a whole lot of staff and all that their job is, is to allocate money to districts. These are the fruitless things that we do and we say that because the money has gone to the district assembly common fund, its done and the districts have got money.”

According to him, an effective approach to allocating resources to the various districts for development was to “scrap the District Assembly Common Fund Secretariat (DACF), and allocate resources [directly] to the districts.”

“You are deciding that you are allocating resources to the districts and you are deciding that you are going to take 5% of all the revenues and it is going to the districts. You don’t need anybody to manage it [independently], it can be managed by the ministry of finance or the ministry of local government. It is just a bank transfer”, he said.

‘Government to increase common fund’

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in the highlights of its recently launched manifesto, stated THAT it would increase the common fund allocation for districts to be reserved for the disabled.

A Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr. Kwesi Jonah, recently called for an increase in the district assembly common fund from 7.5 percent of tax revenue to 15 per cent.

According to him, this would help promote faster development of the local communities.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/Citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Scrap Common Fund Secretariat – Casely Hayford appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.