Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the release of GH¢987,965,730 into the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the first quarter of 2025.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, Dr. Forson confirmed that the funds were disbursed on Monday, June 2, from the Consolidated Fund as part of the Mahama-led administration’s commitment to decentralization and grassroots development.
The Minister emphasized that 80% of the released funds must be transferred directly to the various district assemblies without delay, in accordance with statutory requirements.
He further stated that expenditure returns must be submitted to the Ministry of Finance before any future disbursements are made.
“Being the first quarter amount due the DACF for 2025, the Administrator is required to ensure that 80% of this amount is transferred directly to the district assemblies without fail. Expenditure returns must be submitted before any subsequent release,” Dr. Forson explained.
He also called on Members of Parliament to monitor the utilisation of the funds in their respective constituencies to ensure proper and transparent use, in line with cabinet-approved guidelines.
“Honourable Members of Parliament are encouraged to monitor the utilisation of these funds sent to their district assemblies in line with the approved guidelines by the cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
Dr. Forson highlighted that, under President Mahama and the NDC administration, for the first time in several years, transfers to all statutory funds have been made promptly and in full.
This marks a significant turnaround in public financial management, aimed at restoring efficiency and accountability across key sectors.
Notably, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has received a total of GHS2,033,469,607 covering the period of January to March 2025. These funds have allowed the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to settle arrears owed to healthcare providers and implement the Free Primary Healthcare and Ghana Medical Care Trust programme, popularly referred to as Mahama Care.
In the education sector, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has also seen substantial disbursement. A total of GHS2,710,227,947 has been released to cover January through April 2025. As previously announced in the 2025 Budget, funding for the Free Senior High School Programme is now fully covered under the GETFund.
This development has resolved longstanding challenges, including feeding issues, that previously hampered the smooth operation of the Free SHS programme.The prompt disbursement of statutory funds underlines the Mahama administration’s renewed focus on social interventions, health, education, and local governance.
The Finance Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to upholding financial discipline while ensuring the timely release of funds that directly impact the lives of citizens.