PRESS STATEMENT
Monday, 14th July 2025
The Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) has commended the Government of Ghana for releasing funds to effect payment of the April and May allowances for assembly members across the country. This marks the first time in Ghana’s history that assembly members are receiving official monthly allowances—a significant milestone for local governance.
This landmark initiative fulfils one of the major promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general elections. GAAM acknowledged this as a demonstration of good governance and a bold step toward empowering grassroots leaders under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking in an interview with the media, the National President of GAAM, Hon. Ackah Nelson Frank—who also serves as the Assembly Member for the Asawinso A Electoral Area in the Western North Region—expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development for responding to the long-standing advocacy of the association.
The local governance expert emphasized that the payment signifies national recognition of the critical role assembly members play in development planning, community representation, and grassroots accountability. The release of the funds has even raised morale among members, many of whom had served for years without any form of official monthly support.
Payment confirmation was officially announced today by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim. He revealed that each assembly member would receive ₵1,300.00 per month, starting with the April and May disbursements. He assured that the government remains committed to institutionalizing the payment structure to ensure consistency and sustainability in the years ahead.
The GAAM President used the occasion to thank all stakeholders involved in making this historic achievement possible—including the Ministry of Local Government, the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and especially the Minister for Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, for facilitating the release of the funds. He urged local government treasurers to ensure timely and equitable distribution across all districts.
Assembly members and citizens alike have welcomed the announcement with excitement and gratitude. “This is not just about money; it’s about dignity and validation of our service to the people,” one assembly member from the Ashanti Region remarked. Many expressed optimism that this would mark the beginning of greater respect for local-level representatives.
Hon. Nelson Frank also encouraged all assembly members to support the current government’s broader development agenda. He added that with good faith and sustained engagement, other long-standing aspirations of the association could soon become reality.
Meanwhile, GAAM is calling for increased collaboration between assembly members, traditional authorities, and government agencies to promote sustainable development in electoral areas.
In conclusion, GAAM reiterated its commitment to supporting government efforts to strengthen decentralization. The association called for sustained dialogue, proper resource allocation, and deeper intergovernmental collaboration to ensure inclusive development from the grassroots level upward.
Signed:
Hon. Ackah Nelson Frank
National President- GAAM
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