The Ga West, Ga North, Ga Central and Okaikwei North Municipal Assemblies on Thursday, October 15, presented their development budgets at a zonal budget hearing to outline their revenue performance, development priorities and plans for 2027–2030 at the Ga West Municipal Assembly Hall.

In a welcome address, the Deputy Director, Mr.  Julius Azumah, called on the assemblies to prepare realistic budgets that address community needs, particularly in road infrastructure, sanitation, healthcare, education and employment. He also emphasised the need to improve revenue mobilisation and ensure the prudent use of public funds.

Presenting the Ga West Municipal Assembly’s budget, the Municipal Budget Officer, Madam Mary A. A. Acquah, highlighted key challenges, including poor roads, inadequate drainage, poor sanitation and limited infrastructure.

She reported that the Assembly had mobilised GH¢11.8 million from its Internally Generated Fund (IGF) as of September 2026, against an annual target of GH¢14.5 million. For 2027, the Assembly plans to increase its IGF target to GH¢17.3 million through improved revenue collection, digital payment systems and accurate business records.

Planned interventions include road and drainage improvements, the construction and rehabilitation of school buildings, upgrades to healthcare facilities and strengthened sanitation services. A representative from the Ministry of Finance commended the Assembly for its presentation, noting an improvement over the previous year's budget.

Miss Rita Esi Esq. presented the Ga Central Municipal Assembly's budget, reporting that the Assembly budgeted GH¢10.7 million in IGF expenditure for 2026, of which GH¢7.28 million had been spent. The Assembly's total budget from all funding sources stood at GH¢43.84 million.

She identified poor roads, inadequate drainage, flooding and overcrowded schools as major challenges. Planned projects include building additional classrooms and improving roads, drainage, and sanitation. A Ministry of Finance panel member commended the Assembly's presentation and praised its poly tank designs.

Presenting the Ga North Municipal Assembly's budget, Madam Abigail Opoku highlighted the Assembly's revenue performance and development achievements. She indicated that the Assembly mobilised GH¢6 million against an IGF target of GH¢6.2 million in 2024. In 2025, it exceeded its target of GH¢6.8 million by mobilising GH¢8.5 million.

Following this performance, the Assembly increased its IGF target to GH¢12.9 million for 2026, of which GH¢9.2 million had been mobilised.

Achievements included the construction of an Assembly office complex, mechanised boreholes, school facilities, public toilets and an astroturf football field. The Assembly also distributed 3,000 desks to public schools and undertook road improvement works.

For 2027, the Assembly plans to strengthen revenue mobilisation, expand infrastructure, construct classrooms and drainage systems, and improve sanitation to help reduce flooding. During discussions, questions were raised about revenue collection from businesses operating at night and the management of the astroturf facility.

The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly's budget was presented by the Chief Budget Analyst, Madam Cecelia Ofori Asante. She reported that the Assembly had a total budget of GH¢69 million for 2026 and had received GH¢43.9 million as of September, representing 63.5 per cent of the budget.

Key achievements included the development of the Assembly's office complex, a fire and ambulance station, road improvement works and other community projects. Construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound was also ongoing.

For 2027, the Assembly plans to undertake 10 development projects, improve revenue mobilisation and train 450 farmers in improved farming methods. It also intends to plant 1,500 trees to support environmental sustainability.

During the closing remarks, the chairperson, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and the Deputy Director commended the participating assemblies for their contributions. They described the zonal budget hearing as an opportunity for the assemblies to share experiences, identify gaps and learn from one another to improve budget planning and implementation. They urged the assemblies to apply the lessons gained to strengthen development outcomes in their respective municipalities.

Source: Awudi Francisca Afi, ISD-GWMA