The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has commended the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, for facilitating the full payment of outstanding monthly allowance arrears owed to Assembly Members for the year 2025.

The payment, according to NALAG, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Ghana’s decentralisation system and recognising the vital role Assembly Members play in grassroots governance and participatory democracy.

Asiedu Adjei emphasised that Assembly Members serve as the backbone of Ghana’s local governance architecture, acting as the direct link between government and citizens at the community level.

“Assembly members are the backbone of our local governance structure. Their work in community mobilisation, development oversight, and social accountability is fundamental to effective decentralisation,” he stated.

He further noted that Assembly Members carry out critical functions such as conflict resolution, project monitoring, revenue sensitisation, and advocacy for equitable development, often under challenging financial and logistical conditions.

The NALAG president explained that the settlement of the 2025 allowance arrears has brought relief and renewed motivation to assembly members across the country.

“This intervention goes beyond financial relief. It restores morale and demonstrates institutional recognition of the invaluable service Assembly Members provide to their communities and to the nation,” he added.

While welcoming the payment, Asiedu Adjei stressed the urgent need to formalise the payment of Assembly Members’ monthly allowances within a clear legal and budgetary framework to ensure consistency and long-term sustainability.

The NALAG President further reiterated the Association’s call for improved logistical support, particularly the provision of motorbikes for Assembly Members, noting that the current Assembly has entered its third year of tenure.

“In many electoral areas, mobility is not a luxury but a necessity. Providing motorbikes will significantly enhance monitoring, community engagement, and effective service delivery at the grassroots level,” he said.