Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy, has announced the commencement of monthly allowance payments to Assembly Members across the country, marking a major policy shift after more than three decades of decentralised governance without structured compensation.

According to the Minister, since Ghana adopted decentralisation in 1988, Assembly Members—who serve as grassroots representatives—have operated with little financial recognition or support.

“For over 30 years, Assembly Members were not properly recognised, respected, or motivated,” he said, highlighting the longstanding gap in incentives for local governance actors.

The initiative was introduced under the direction of President John Dramani Mahama, who approved a monthly allowance of GH₵1,300 for all Assembly Members.

Ghana currently has 9,090 Assembly Members, all of whom are benefiting from the policy. Although the allowance is taxable, the Minister indicated that each member receives a net amount exceeding GH₵1,000.

“This is the first time Assembly Members across the country are receiving structured financial support for their work,” he added.

Mr Ibrahim further disclosed that payments have already been made covering the period from April to December 2025, with preparations underway to release funds for the first quarter of 2026 to sustain the initiative.

He expressed confidence in the continuity of the policy, citing the President’s commitment to maintaining the allowance scheme.

“When the president was able to implement this in 2025, it shows that in 2026 he will continue to honour that commitment,” he noted.

The introduction of the allowances is expected to boost morale and improve performance among Assembly Members, who play a critical role in community-level decision-making, oversight, and development planning.

Government officials say the policy forms part of broader efforts to strengthen decentralisation, enhance accountability, and better resource local governance structures to deliver effectively.

The move is widely viewed as a step toward formalising and professionalising the role of Assembly Members, whose contributions remain vital to Ghana’s democratic governance and development agenda.