Ada foah: Mr. Ebenezer Nartey, the Assembly Member for the Zongo Electoral Area in the Ada East District, has called for greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the 2026 fee-fixing and composite budget process of district assemblies across the country. Mr. Nartey, who also serves as chairman of the Ada Foah Area Council and a member of both the Finance and Administration and Social Services Committees of the assembly, emphasized the need for assemblies to transition from merely approving figures to achieving real developmental outcomes.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nartey issued a statement at Ada Foah, stressing that the fee-fixing and budget process should be viewed as a social contract between local government and citizens, rather than a routine administrative task. “Every rate and every fee we approve affects the market woman, the driver, the artisan, and the youth,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that citizens understand the purpose, benefits, and community improvements associated with their contributions.
Mr. Nartey urged all district assemblies to enhance public awareness and accountability by publishing simplified versions of their 2026 Composite Budgets and Fee Fixing Schedules on notice boards, social media, and other community platforms. He highlighted that transparency begins with information, and when citizens are aware of revenue expectations and expenditure plans, they are more inclined to contribute and engage.
Furthermore, he called on assemblies to prioritize essential community development projects in their 2026 budgets, such as sanitation, drainage systems, education, water facilities, and local roads, rather than focusing heavily on administrative overheads. To ensure value for money, he advocated for stronger oversight on project implementation and improved monitoring mechanisms.
In addition, Mr. Nartey proposed the introduction of Quarterly Public Accountability Forums, where the District Chief Executive (DCE), Coordinating Director, and Finance Officer present expenditure reports and progress updates to citizens. He highlighted the significance of these forums in shaping lives and rebuilding trust, urging for a transparent, inclusive, and development-driven approach in the 2026 fee-fixing and budget process.
Mr. Nartey concluded by calling for responsible and people-centered leadership as assemblies prepare for the upcoming budget and fee-fixing sessions.