By Bernice Bessey (bbessey@yahoo.com)
The Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA) Chief Executive, John Kwao Sackey, says the assembly has exceeded its Internal Generated Fund (IGF) target for 2014 by 3% – an increase from GH¢2,220,942 to GH¢2,285,356.59.
Though the GEMA improved upon its IGF mobilisation, it however received GH¢877,172 from the Assemblies Common Fund instead of the estimated GH¢1,825,317.
Addressing residents at a Town Hall Meeting in Haatso last week, which was organised by the Social Expenditure and Financial Accountability (SPEFA), John Kwao Sackey explained that the assembly, in 2014, did not increase levies, but rather expanded its revenue mobilisation network.
Speaking on why some projects are still not completed or started, Mr. Sackey said the assembly lacked the resources to finish or start proposed development projects on time. He also blamed delays in the execution of projects to the long bureaucratic processes involved in awarding projects and acquiring funding.
Though, saddled with these challenges, the assembly is steadily providing residents with the needed development projects, he added. Mr. Sackey thanked SPEFA for it support to enhance transparency, accountability and the citizens’ knowledge, understanding and participation in local governance.
“I urged all present, especially those of you who attend SPEFA forums, to constantly utilise the knowledge you have acquired on planning, budgeting and procurement processes in the district assembly since the start of this SPEFA project,” he added.
The MCE encouraged the residents and SPEFA to collaborate with the assembly to achieve the desirable levels of development, despite the many challenges.