The Ranking Member of the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has cautioned government against what he described as “creeping centralisation” that threatens the constitutional foundation of Ghana’s decentralisation agenda.
Speaking during motion to approve the 2026 Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs—amounting to GH¢4.79 billion—the Bantama MP praised the Ministry for achievements recorded in 2025, but warned that growing central interference in local governance decisions is undermining accountability and service delivery.
He cited Articles 240–252 of the 1992 Constitution and the Local Government Act, noting that the increasing practice of prescribing operational guidelines and project choices from the centre contradicts decentralisation principles. “Assemblies cannot be accountable to their people if they lack discretion and timely resources,” he stressed.
Hon. Asenso-Boakye outlined concerns including compensation consuming 65% of the Ministry’s allocation, inadequate technical staff and logistics at the MMDAs, and delays in funding release.
However, he singled out the rise in central directives as the most worrying trend, describing it as a “structural threat to local democracy.”
The Committee recommended strengthening the capacity of MMDAs, rebalancing resource allocation, and restoring local autonomy through predictable financing and reduced central control.
Despite the concerns, the Ranking Member supported the approval of the GH¢4.79 billion budget, urging government to protect the integrity of Ghana’s decentralisation architecture.
