The Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) has called on the government to expedite the disbursement of ex-gratia payments to assembly members.
The association, representing the interests of assembly members across the country, highlighted the significant delays in the payment process.
GAAM also proposed the establishment of an Electoral Area Fund. This fund, according to the association, would be dedicated to supporting development projects within electoral areas.
In a press conference held in Bia West District Capital, Essam, the Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM), led by National President, Frank Nelson Ackah, addressed the recent directives from the Local Government Minister regarding the End of Service Benefit.
GAAM expressed gratitude to the Minister for revising his previous directive, which categorized the Ex-Gratia payments into fixed amounts of GHS 2000, GHS 2500, and GHS 3000.
The new directive allows Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pay Ex-Gratia based on their financial strength, as stipulated in Section 11 (2) of the Local Governance Act.
Frank Nelson Ackah highlighted the importance of this new directive, emphasizing that assemblies must adhere to agreements made before the dissolution of the last assembly.
GAAM called on the Local Government Minister, the President, MMDCEs, and relevant authorities to expedite the payment process, as many assemblies have yet to make payment plans. “Assembly members deserve better,” He stated.
GAAM also reiterated its call for the emoluments of presiding and assembly members to be charged to the Consolidated Fund, ensuring adequate remuneration. The association urged Parliament to revisit Article 250, Clauses 1 and 2 of the 1992 Constitution, and Section 11 (2) of the Local Governance Act 2016, Act 936.
Furthermore, GAAM proposed the establishment of an Electoral Area Fund for assembly members, charged to the District Assembly Common Fund. The association suggested enacting a law to enable assembly members to undertake developmental projects with strict auditing and supervision by district assembly technocrats.
Additionally, GAAM requested the provision of a monthly allowance, similar to the stimulus provided to people living with disabilities (PWDs), to be charged to the District Assembly Common Fund.
The President also appealed to the government to expedite the delivery of motorbikes to assembly members, emphasizing the need for jungle motorbikes due to the poor state of roads.
He assured the government that GAAM and its members are committed to supporting good policy formulation and implementation at both local and national levels.
In conclusion, GAAM pledged to work towards ensuring the well-being of assembly members and cautioned that the days of assembly members being swayed by empty campaign promises are over.
The association called for swift action to address their concerns and improve the conditions of assembly members across the country.
Below is the full press statement
PRESS STATEMENT BY GHANA ASSOCIATION OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS (GAAM) AT BIA WEST – ESSAM
24/07/24
Fellow National, Regional and District executives, honourable members present, the Media and all Protocol observed. Good Morning.
We have gathered here today for the purpose of responding to the new directive from the local Government Minister on our End of Service Benefit. In the first place, Ghana Association of Assembly Members wish to thank the Hon Minister for rescinding his earlier directive through the Chief Director of Local government to categories payment of Ex-gratia into 2000, 2500 and 3000.
We thank the minister for the new directive that urges all MMDAS to pay their own Ex-gratia according to their strength as the law requires in the section 11 (2) of the local governance Act.
This means the various assemblies must pay their Ex-gratia according to what was discussed and resolved prior to dissolution of the last assembly.We are by this medium appealing to the Local government minister, the president, MMDCE’S and all those who matter in this course to help speed up the payment process since most of the assemblies have not made any payment plans. Assembly members also deserves better.
Secondly, we want to reiterate our earliest pleas that the emolument of presiding and assembly members should be charged on the consolidated fund to pave way for adequate remuneration. We are calling on parliament to revisit the article 250 clause 1 & 2 of 1992 Constituency and section 11 (2) of the local governance act 2016, act 936.Again GAAM proposes for the Establishment of an Electoral Area Fund for assembly members charge on the district assembly common Fund.
A law should be enacted to enable the assembly members to carry out developmental projects with strict auditing, supervision carried out by the district assembly technocrats.We are also asking for the provision of allowance as monthly stimulus which should be charged on the district assembly common fund, as has been done with people living with Disabilities (PWD).
Lastly, we are also appealing to the Government to ensure our motorbikes are delivered as quickly as possible. This time round, we need jungle motorbikes looking at the state of our roads. GAAM and its membership across the length and breathe of the country would want to assure Government that we would work to ensure good policy formulation and implementation that seeks to ensure the vision of successive government at the local and National Level that cares for the well-being of Assembly Members.
GAAM wants to assure the government that the days of Assembly Members being toyed and teased with vain rhetorical campaign promises which fizzles out after elections is over.
We thank you for coming.
Hon Frank Nelson Ackah National President – GAAM- 0242391661
Hon Isaac Mensah Secretary
Hon. Attah Asomaning BallackW/N Regional Secretary
Hon. Gladys Akotia National Women Organizer
