The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has expressed concern over the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly’s inability to commence construction of a proposed 24-Hour Economy Model Market, despite having received funding for the project.

During an engagement with municipal authorities on Tuesday, June 23, the Minister questioned Ayawaso North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mohammed Awal, over the continued absence of a market facility in the municipality while traders remain on the streets and allocated funds remain largely unutilised.

Ahmed Ibrahim stressed that resources released through the District Assemblies Common Fund are intended to improve living conditions through the delivery of critical infrastructure and public services in line with the government’s development agenda.

He noted that Parliament had approved significant funding for the assembly, with actual disbursements amounting to approximately GH¢42 million out of an approved GH¢58 million. However, he said only a small portion of the funds had been spent over the past year.

“You have no market facility, yet funds have been provided for one. If the project has not been undertaken, it raises questions about whether the assembly genuinely requires the allocation,” the Minister remarked.

He criticised the practice of leaving development funds idle while communities continue to grapple with infrastructure challenges, arguing that public resources should be translated into visible improvements that directly benefit residents.

According to him, the effectiveness of local governance should be measured not by the amount of money received but by the impact projects have on communities.

“Residents must see and feel the benefits of these investments. Development funds should result in tangible improvements, not remain dormant in bank accounts,” he stated.

The Minister further urged the assembly to prioritise projects that address the immediate needs of residents, including markets, educational facilities, healthcare infrastructure and other essential public amenities.

He warned that government would increasingly assess metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies based on project delivery and outcomes rather than budget allocations alone.

Ahmed Ibrahim also questioned the logic of retaining large sums of public money in financial institutions instead of deploying them for development purposes.

“What value does it add to the lives of citizens when millions of cedis remain untouched in bank accounts? These resources are meant to drive development and improve livelihoods,” he said.

His remarks form part of broader government efforts to ensure efficient use of public funds and accelerate the implementation of projects under the 24-Hour Economy initiative, which seeks to stimulate economic activity, create jobs and improve productivity nationwide.