Details Needed by May 9 to Kickstart Allowance Payments
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has issued a directive to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to submit comprehensive information on their Assembly Members by Friday, May 9, 2025. This directive is a critical step in rolling out the long-awaited monthly allowance scheme for Assembly Members across Ghana.
In a wireless message dated April 30, 2025, the Ministry underscored the urgency of the exercise. The communiqué, signed by Chief Director Amin Abdul Rahaman on behalf of the sector Minister, instructs all Regional Ministers and MMDCEs to use a standardized data template provided by the Ministry. The completed forms are to be submitted electronically to the Decentralisation Unit, with a copy also sent to Mr. Samuel Passah at samuel.passah@mlgrd.gov.gh.
Fulfilment of Campaign Promise under ‘Resetting Agenda’
This initiative follows through on the government’s “Resetting Agenda”, which aims to reform and strengthen local governance while delivering on key 2024 election campaign promises. The 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy allocates an estimated GHC100 million annually for these payments.
This translates to a monthly allowance of approximately GHC1,300 for each of Ghana’s 6,300 Assembly Members, making this one of the most significant reforms in local government remuneration in recent years.
Supporting Grassroots Governance
Assembly Members have long called for fair compensation to enable them to carry out their community development and representation roles effectively. The introduction of monthly allowances is expected to boost morale, improve accountability, and ensure stronger grassroots governance.
“This move gives meaning to our efforts in the communities,” said one Assembly Member in the Eastern Region. “We’ve been advocating for this for years—it feels like our work is finally being recognised.”
Urgency and Compliance Expected from Assemblies
Assemblies across the country are urged to comply swiftly with the directive to avoid delays in the rollout. The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the prompt implementation of the allowance payments and urged stakeholders to prioritise the exercise.
Failure to submit the required data by the deadline may affect the timely disbursement of allowances, which could in turn delay the government’s wider decentralisation goals.
Government Reaffirms Support for Assembly Members
The Ministry reassured Assembly Members that it is dedicated to providing the necessary tools and support for effective local governance. The allowance is expected not only to serve as financial support, but also as a way to dignify the role of local representatives.
“This is not just about allowances. It’s about ensuring our Assembly Members have the capacity and motivation to lead developmental change at the community level,” said a Ministry official.
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