An Open Letter To His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama
YOUR EXCELLENCY, WE ARE GRATEFUL!
Your Excellency,
On behalf of my colleague Assembly Members across the length and breadth of this great nation, I write with deep appreciation and profound gratitude to you for fulfilling your promise to pay monthly allowances to all Assembly Members, as captured in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government.
This bold and historic decision reflects your unwavering commitment to decentralization, good governance, and the recognition of the critical role Assembly Members play in national development.
For years, Assembly Members have served as the frontline representatives of government at the grassroots level, working tirelessly to address the needs of our communities despite the lack of financial support.
We have been the bridge between the people and government, facilitating development projects, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. However, this work has largely been done without any form of structured remuneration, making our service a daunting and, at times, an unsustainable sacrifice.
Mr. President, your decision to allocate GH¢100 million for the payment of monthly allowances to all Assembly Members, as stated in paragraph 221 of the 2025 Budget, is a game-changer. It is an acknowledgment that the local governance structure is incomplete without the full empowerment of Assembly Members.
This initiative is not just about financial relief; it is about dignity, motivation, and ensuring that local government representatives can effectively discharge their duties without undue financial constraints.
Your Excellency, this action is in line with Article 240(2)(e) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which mandates Parliament to provide adequate resources for the effective functioning of local government structures.
Additionally, Section 16(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) emphasizes the need for the state to facilitate and strengthen local governance institutions, of which Assembly Members are key stakeholders. Your government’s initiative aligns perfectly with these provisions, ensuring that the spirit and intent of decentralization are fully realized.
Mr. President, Assembly Members across the country are not just grateful; we are inspired. We are proud to serve under your visionary leadership, and we pledge to work with you and for your government to succeed.
We recognize that the success of your administration depends on effective governance at all levels, and we assure you of our full commitment to ensuring that your policies and programs are implemented efficiently at the local level.
With this allowance, we are now better positioned to:
1. Enhance Community Engagement: We will be able to organize regular community meetings, ensuring the voices of our constituents are adequately represented.
2. Improve Accountability and Monitoring: We can now dedicate more time and resources to monitoring government projects within our electoral areas.
3. Strengthen Local Governance: We will work tirelessly to ensure that your administration’s vision for a well-structured and effective decentralization system is realized.
Your Excellency, you have set a new standard in governance, proving once again that you are a leader who listens and acts in the best interest of the people.
We are confident that under your leadership, Ghana’s local governance system will see even greater advancements, leading to improved service delivery, development, and national progress.
Once again, we say THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!
Long live President John Dramani Mahama!
Long live Ghana’s local governance system!
Long live the Republic of Ghana!
Signed:
Hon. Kankam Twumasi Daniel
Assemblyman, Gyamfikrom Electoral Area
New Juaben North Municipal Assembly.
Source: Kankam Twumasi Daniel/Assemblyman/Gyamfikrom Electoral Area
