The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs will from 24th to 26th February, 2026 embark on a comprehensive monitoring exercise in the Ahafo Region and Bono Region to assess the utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
The exercise is aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in local governance, as MMDCEs will be required to account for projects and interventions undertaken with DACF allocations in their respective jurisdictions. The Ministry will undertake the monitoring in collaboration with its Swiss and German donor partners, whose participation is expected to provide them with first-hand appreciation of development realities at the local level.
The Minister disclosed this during the 2026 Apomasu Yam Festival held at Ntrotroso in the Ahafo Region. Touching on the theme for the festival; 'Mining and Tradition, Building resilient communinity through sustainable and responsibile mining', he commended traditional authorities for their growing commitment to the fight against illegal mining, describing the collective resolve of chiefs to protect land and water resources as a significant step towards sustainable development.
The Minister further announced that Parliament has passed the 24-Hour Economy Law, under which model markets will be established across all 261 districts. He explained that the initiative will create expanded economic opportunities, particularly for market women, by providing modern, one-stop market facilities to support continuous trading and value chain activities.
On his part, the Paramount Chief of Ntrotroso and President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Bariman Twereku Spent III outlined a number of development projects being undertaken in the area, highlighting efforts aimed at improving social and economic conditions for the people. He expressed appreciation to Government for its sustained interest in strengthening the chieftaincy institution, and also thanked the Regional Minister and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for their roles in resolving chieftaincy disputes in parts of the Ahafo Region.
The Apomasu yam festival is a biennial festival celebrated by the people of Ntrotrosu to reflect on their identity and heritage as a people and their relationship with the land. The festival brought together government officials, mining institutions, community members and the educational institutions to celebrate their gains and as a traditional area.
The Minister re-echoed government's commitment to deepening collaboration with traditional authorities and MMDCEs to promote accountability, peace, and inclusive development at the rural level.
Source : Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA
