The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has outlined measures aimed at strengthening collaboration between Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to improve local governance and accelerate development.

According to the minister, effective cooperation between MPs and MMDCEs is essential to ensuring that development priorities are properly identified, funded and implemented for the benefit of local communities.

Responding to a question from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, Prof Kingsley Nyarko, on the floor of Parliament, Mr Ibrahim explained that the distribution of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), as provided for under Article 252 of the 1992 Constitution, is guided by the principles of need, equality and service pressure.

He said these principles help ensure that resources are allocated fairly and efficiently among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The minister noted that Members of Parliament already play an important role in local governance through their participation in General Assembly meetings, where they contribute to discussions on development priorities and resource allocation.

He also highlighted the role of the MPs Common Fund, which supports small-scale development projects and social interventions, including assistance to vulnerable persons, the provision of agricultural inputs, boreholes and community water facilities.

As part of efforts to improve cooperation between MPs and MMDCEs, Mr Ibrahim said the Ministry is strengthening protocols that require MMDCEs to notify and brief MPs on key planning, budgeting and development committee meetings.

According to him, the measure is intended to ensure that constituency priorities are adequately reflected in local development plans and implementation processes.

The minister said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance coordination between elected representatives and local government authorities in the delivery of development projects and services.