Out of 258 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA) covered, just 12 scored above the 50% benchmark in the 2024 Public Financial Management Compliance League Table (PFMCLT).

This represents only 4.5% of the population size.

According to the 2024 Public Financial Management Compliance League Table, the national average improved to 32.8% up from 22% recorded in 2023, signifying a marginal improvement in the public financial management of MMDAs across the country.

In terms of regional performance, Ashanti, Eastern, Greater Accra and Volta recorded scores above the 50% threshold and national average, while Ahafo, Savannah, Upper West and Western North attained scores below the national average and threshold mark. 

Also, Central, Bono, East, Northern, Upper East, Western and Oti regions had no assemblies exceeding the 50% benchmark, however several did perform above the national average.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Public Financial Management Compliance League Table, Gladys Tetteh, Deputy Executive Director of the Centre for Local Governance Advocacy, called for effective collaboration and capacity building to equip MMDAs.

“It is a call for all stakeholders, government, civil society, development partners and citizens to work together to ensure that no assembly is left behind.”

“While no metropolitan assembly crossed the 50% threshold, only 3 scored more than the national average of 32.8%.”  She added.

The evaluation employed a 100-point framework across five core pillars; planning, budgeting, procurement, accounting and reporting as well as auditing.

Three out of the 261 MMDAs were not covered due to security concerns.

Challenges

Improper bank reconciliations, ineffective Internal controls, poor procurement processes and inadequate monitoring mechanisms were some of the challenges revealed in the 2024 Public Financial Management compliance league Table.

Also, weak alignment between development plans and executions, delayed approvals from budgetary requests and inadequate implementation of audit recommendations coupled with poor enforcement of audit measures featured strongly in the factors that contributed to the poor outcomes.

The Public Financial Management compliance League Table was designed to promote compliance, with public financial management laws, enhance transparency and accountability and efficiency of resources utilisation, reduce corruption and rebuild public confidence in the local governance.

La Dadekotkpon Municipal Assembly was adjudged the best MMDA of the 2024 Public financial Management Compliance League table, followed by Kwadaso and Kpando Municipal Assemblies ranking 2nd and third respectively. 

Meanwhile, Jirapa Municipal Assembly, Twifo/Hemang Lower Denkyira and Agona East District Assemblies were ranked 256th, 257th and 258th in that order.