“Stop Misusing Disability Funds or Face Sanctions”- Parliament Committee Warns MMDCEs
The Chairperson of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr, has issued a strong warning to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to desist from misusing or diverting funds meant for Persons with Disability (PWDs) under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Under the DACF Act, three percent (3%) of the total allocation to each District Assembly is reserved for the PWD Fund, which supports persons with disabilities in education, healthcare, livelihood empowerment, and capacity development.
However, multiple Auditor-General’s reports for 2023 and 2024 have revealed persistent irregularities, including delays, diversions, and outright misuse of these funds by some assemblies.
Speaking at a Local Government and Rural Development Committee sitting in Parliament, Hon. Sawyerr expressed deep frustration at the continued abuse of the PWD Fund.
“We noticed during our meetings with the MMDCEs that a lot of the funds meant for the disabled are being used under the excuse that assemblies are ‘borrowing’ and will replace them later,” she lamented. “Whether they ever replace them, nobody knows. Honestly, I don’t believe they put it back into the accounts.”
She described the situation as both unethical and insensitive, reminding public officials that disability can affect anyone at any time.
“What pains me most is that assemblies sometimes use the money to buy items for PWDs without consultation, as if it’s their own discretion,” she said. “Any of us can become disabled at any moment, so we must protect this fund with all seriousness.”
Hon. Sawyerr disclosed that her Committee has received reports from over 27 districts where funds meant for PWDs have allegedly been misapplied.
She said these districts would soon be visited by the Committee for verification and possible sanctions.
“We are going to visit all those districts where we’ve identified irregularities,” she warned. “Once the reports are confirmed, we will ensure accountability—whether it’s the Finance Officer, Coordinating Director, or DCE involved, action will be taken.”
Responding to questions about whether a policy exists to regulate the use of the PWD Fund, she clarified that there is already a quota system and spending guideline under the DACF Act and the Persons With Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
She, however, blamed the recurring misuse on weak monitoring and enforcement at the district level.
“Because the monitoring level is low, some assemblies are abusing the system,” she explained. “That’s why our Committee is intensifying oversight visits to ensure compliance.”
Hon. Sawyerr emphasized that the Committee will soon present a comprehensive report on the management of the PWD Fund to the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister for Local Government, and the Chief of Staff.
The report, expected within a week—will recommend specific sanctions and reforms to ensure that the 3% allocation reaches its rightful beneficiaries.
She concluded with a stern message to MMDCEs who may be tempted to repeat the offense:
“God willing, next year if we sit and find that anyone has done this again, we will be very hard on that person. Whether it’s the Finance Officer, Coordinating Director, or the DCE, we’ll make sure action is taken—because this is just not right.”
Source: Felix Nyaaba / expressnewsghana.com
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