The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has revealed that statutory payments have been released to ease pressure and boost the local economy.
The Minister was summoned to Parliament following a Minority motion presented by the Member for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Dr. Forson emphasized that a minimum of GHS25 million will be paid to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He disclosed that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) Administrator has received GHS986 million, and not less than 80% of the funds must go directly to the MMDAs.
He stressed that the funds must be allocated as follows: 10% each for health, education, and completion of legacy projects, 5% for administrative use, and 15% for the construction of markets.
Additionally, he stated that an amount of GHS2.3 billion has been paid to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) fund, covering payments for the period from January to March 2025.
On the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the Minister informed Parliament that a total of GHS2.7 billion has been released.
Dr. Forson warned all MMDAs to prudently apply the funds as directed. He added that the DACF Administrator must present expenditure reports and performance reviews before any further releases.
While the Majority side commended the Minister for the disbursements, the Minority criticized the delays, urging that payments should reflect actual cash transfers and not just letters of release.