The Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) held a well-attended press conference on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the GNAT Hall, focusing on the transformative agenda: the Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF) as captured in the 2024 NPP manifesto launched over the weekend in Takoradi.

The main focus of the press conference was to welcome and garner support for Dr. Bawumia’s vision to financially empower Assembly Members, ensuring that every electoral area receives a fair share of the Common Fund to enable sustainable development initiatives.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including Assembly Members, community development advocates, and influential figures within the local governance space.

Advocating for Local Empowerment and Sustainable Development

GAAM passionately emphasized that this initiative would give Assembly Members direct access to funds, thereby empowering them to address pressing issues within their communities more effectively.

Speaking at the event, Alfred Asiedu Adjei, a.k.a. Paa Joe, 4th Time Presiding Officer of AMA and General Secretary of GAAM, underscored the importance of strengthening local governance structures by providing the necessary resources for development.

"We gather here today as the Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), representing the collective voice and interests of Assembly Members across the Greater Accra Region.

Our mission is clear: to advocate for policies that empower local governance, enhance community development, and ensure that the needs of our people are met effectively and efficiently.

We are here to unambiguously express our support for the proposal put forward by His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, during the recent manifesto launch.

The proposal to institute an Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF) dedicated to Assembly Members is not just timely—it is essential for the accelerated development of our communities," he stated.

He further called on all Assembly Members across Greater Accra and the rest of the 16 regions of Ghana to rally behind this initiative.

"Fellow Assembly Members, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines as this visionary proposal is brought to life. The Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund is our chance to make a lasting impact in our communities.

Let us work together to ensure that this policy becomes a reality, for it is not just about politics—it is about the future of our communities and the well-being of our people.

As GAAM, we are fully committed to supporting the government in this endeavor. We believe that with the right resources, we can transform our Electoral Areas into hubs of development, progress, and prosperity," he emphasized.

Touching on the workload of Assembly Members, who he observed also tackle all kinds of issues at the grassroots level, he was optimistic that Dr. Bawumia’s vision in line with the Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund is coming at a very timely and critical moment to bridge development gaps.

According to him, the Greater Accra Association of Assembly Members remains committed to championing this cause, and they encouraged all stakeholders to stay engaged as they continue their advocacy efforts.

As it stands, the call for an equitable share of resources is one that resonates deeply within the hearts of communities across the region, and GAAM’s leadership in this initiative could potentially set the stage for nationwide reform.

"Assembly Members are the cornerstone of local governance. We are on the ground, directly engaging with the communities we serve.

We listen to the concerns of our constituents, mediate conflicts, mobilize resources, and initiate development projects.

The demands on our time, energy, and resources are immense, yet the resources allocated to us are not enough.

The reality is that national development begins at the district level. For Ghana to progress, our local areas must be empowered with the necessary tools to drive that progress.

However, the limited resources currently available to Assembly Members significantly constrain our ability to effectively execute our mandates. We often find ourselves stretched thin, juggling multiple responsibilities without the requisite funding to implement meaningful projects that address the pressing needs of our communities," Paa Joe clearly explained.

He pointed out that the current distribution of the Common Fund often leaves some communities underserved, affecting the ability of Assembly Members to fulfill their developmental mandates.

The association stressed that the EASCF is a game-changing policy that could drastically improve the living conditions in communities across the Greater Accra Region and beyond.

He also highlighted the potential of the EASCF to promote transparency and accountability, as Assembly Members would be held directly responsible for the judicious use of the funds allocated to their electoral areas.

The association noted that by decentralizing financial resources, communities would benefit from projects tailored to their unique needs.

Participation and Engagement

The press conference saw a vibrant turnout from Unit Committee Members, key traditional rulers, media personnel, local government officials, and members of the public.

Attendees expressed optimism about the prospects of the EASCF, with many noting that it aligns with the broader goals of participatory governance and inclusive development.

GAAM reiterated that this initiative is not just about finances; it’s about giving a voice to every community and ensuring that no area is left behind in the quest for development. The association urged all attendees to advocate for the swift adoption of the EASCF at the national level.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Progress

The event concluded with a resounding call for unity and collaboration in driving the EASCF agenda forward.

GAAM expressed confidence that with the necessary backing, this initiative would serve as a catalyst for more equitable and impactful local governance.

In the words of one of the key speakers, "It is time we take control of our development at the grassroots level. The Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund is a critical step in that direction. Let’s work together to make it a reality."