A cross-section of Assembly Members in the Ellembelle District has heaved a sigh of relief following the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to pay each member a monthly allowance of GH₵1,300.
According to them, this is the first time an allowance of such nature for Assembly Members has been factored into the budget statement.
The Assembly Members, who spoke in separate interviews with Nzema Today TV, expressed hope that the monthly allowance would be sustained and increased over time to enable them to function effectively in the decentralization process.
The Presiding Member of the Ellembelle District Assembly, Hon. Charles Kwesi, stated that previously, there was no such allowance, except for a paltry quarterly sitting allowance for members.
He added that the ex gratia received at the end of the four-year term depended on the financial strength of the Assembly.
Hon. Charles Kwesi, who also serves as the Assembly Member for the Tandan electoral area, explained that most of their programs were voluntarily financed from their own pockets.
He emphasized that the fixed monthly allowance of GH₵1,300 would be beneficial, stating, “Because nothing was coming before, this will help. With this, we can organize continuous community engagement, educate the youth, and assist the needy. We were already doing these things, but this allowance will boost our morale to do even more.”
Hon. Charles Kwesi proposed the establishment of an electoral area fund, quarterly workshops for Assembly Members, allowances for unit committee members, and the provision of essential logistics such as vehicles or quality motorcycles to support community development efforts.
The Assembly Member for the Kikam electoral area, Hon. Paul K. Kwaw, welcomed the announcement as historic.
He said the excitement on the platform of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members was overwhelming.
Hon. Paul K. Kwaw stated, “The monthly allowance will boost the morale of Assembly Members, especially in terms of fueling our motorbikes to carry out our responsibilities within our electoral areas.”
On his part, the Assembly Member for the Kamgbunli electoral area, Hon. Dawuda Musa, expressed pride in the introduction of the allowance.
He acknowledged that while Assembly Members have significant responsibilities within their electoral areas, the GH₵1,300 allowance was a welcome development since it was the first of its kind.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
