The immediate past Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo, has thrown her support behind the incoming Administrator, Michael Harry Yamson, expressing confidence in his ability to execute his mandate effectively.
Speaking to some media houses in Parliament after attending Yamson’s vetting session, Naa Torshie stated that she was optimistic about his approval and pledged her full support to ensure a smooth transition.
Notably, she becomes the first former DACF Administrator since the inception of the 1992 Constitution to attend the vetting of a successor.
Demonstration of Leadership and Maturity
Observers have commended Naa Torshie for setting a precedent of unity and support, especially given the rarity of outgoing administrators actively endorsing their successors, particularly following a change in government.
Naa Torshie, who served under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, was lauded for her instrumental role in numerous infrastructure projects. President Akufo-Addo specifically praised her contributions to the construction of court buildings and judges’ bungalows across the country.
She was also a key driver of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), aimed at enhancing road networks to boost local economies and improve citizens’ quality of life.
Yamson pledges accountability and equity
During his vetting, the Administrator-designate, Mr. Yamson, assured Parliament of his commitment to ensuring transparency in the management of DACF funds.
He expressed his readiness to support the auditing of funds used for acquiring equipment under DRIP in the previous year.
DRIP’s machinery—comprising water tankers, backhoes, motor graders, rollers, and tipper trucks—was procured under the DACF in 2024.
Yamson’s assurance came in response to a question from Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip, regarding whether he would review these expenditures.
He acknowledged concerns about the failure of the previous government to establish management committees in some districts to oversee the DRIP equipment.
In addressing this issue, he emphasized his willingness to facilitate a full audit of these transactions if necessary.
Ensuring fair fund distribution
Yamson outlined plans to formulate a distribution strategy in consultation with the Ministers of Finance, Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
His proposal aims to allocate 80% of DACF resources directly to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) for development projects.
This initiative aligns with the Mahama-led government’s policy to ensure equitable fund disbursement, promoting balanced regional development.
“My duty is to be non-partisan and respond to the inequities in development across the country,” Yamson affirmed.
Digital revenue enhancement for assemblies
In addition to fund distribution, Yamson stressed the importance of leveraging e-commerce platforms to boost internally generated funds (IGFs) for the Assemblies.
He believes this will help reduce over-reliance on central government allocations.
He also pledged to ensure the timely disbursement of funds and to work closely with Regional Coordinating Councils and other sector ministries to enhance accountability and transparency in fund utilization.
With this approach, the new DACF Administrator aims to strengthen fiscal discipline, optimize development outcomes, and build on the achievements of his predecessor.
