The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Local Government and Rural Development, Miss Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyer, has raised alarm over the widespread mismanagement of funds allocated for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across several districts in Ghana.

Speaking to the press following the committee’s ongoing public sitting on the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report, Ms. Sawyer revealed that investigations have uncovered serious financial irregularities involving funds meant to support Persons With Disabilities.

According to her, some District Assemblies have been diverting or misusing these critical funds, often under the guise of temporary borrowing.

“Most of the money meant for PWDs are being spent by the Assemblies without proper accountability.

Officials often claim the funds are borrowed and will be replaced, but there is little or no evidence to confirm that these funds are ever replenished,” Ms. Sawyer stated.

She stressed that the committee will take firm action against any officials found culpable — including finance officers, district coordinators, and chief executives — should further investigations confirm misuse of the funds.

“We will not tolerate any misconduct in the handling of these funds.

The committee is determined to ensure accountability and the proper use of government resources meant for Persons With Disabilities,” she emphasised.

Miss Sawyer also underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework to guide the disbursement and monitoring of funds for PWDs.

She noted that weak oversight mechanisms have created loopholes that enable misappropriation at the local level.

The committee, she said, will intensify monitoring to guarantee that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries and are used strictly in accordance with established guidelines.

The Chairperson further expressed concern about the growing politicisation of district resources, warning that some District Chief Executives (DCEs) may be diverting public funds for personal or political ambitions, including preparations to contest parliamentary seats.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and undermines the purpose of decentralisation.

We must ensure that public resources serve the people, not political interests,” she cautioned.

Ms. Sawyer disclosed that the committee has identified over 27 districts with significant discrepancies and intends to visit these areas before the end of the week.

Once the findings are verified, the committee will submit reports to the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister for Local Government, and the Chief of Staff for appropriate disciplinary action.

She added that the early initiation of these investigations aims to prevent the recurrence of similar financial malpractices in the upcoming 2024 and 2025 audit cycles.

“Our ultimate goal is to protect the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and ensure that every cedi allocated to them is used for its rightful purpose,” Madam Sawyer concluded.