|
Since the inception of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), the disbursement of the 2 percent disability component to PWDs has become a source of tension between the Assemblies and the disability groups in the various districts. Further research into the problem indicates that the low rate of disbursement of the fund and related problems are partly due to lack of common understanding between the Assemblies and the OPWDs.
As a remedy, the GFD initiated a program in 10 pilot districts with support from the Ghana Research and Advocacy program (GRAP). The first phase of the project which spans between January and December 2009, aims at sensitizing the various beneficiaries and the Assemblies on the established criteria for accessing the fund. As part of the initiative, series of consultative forums were held to build a consensus towards the development of mechanisms that could lead to the improvement of the disbursement process, as well as effective utilization of the fund.
Based on the outcome of the various consultative sessions and meetings with stakeholders GFD has developed innovative guidelines that could enhance the effective disbursement and utilization of the fund. If given a positive consideration by the government, the new proposal will go a long way in ensuring efficiency, transparency, accountability and equitable accessibility to the fund. The proposed guidelines include the following mechanisms;
- That, the Administrator of District Assembly Common Fund (DACF releases documentation on quarterly allocations made to Assemblies to the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD),
- That, the NCPWD further makes copies and circulate to council members and relevant institutions like GFD,
- That GFD furnishes its district branches with the allocations,
- The council and other relevant bodies monitor the disbursement and utilization of the fund nationwide,
- That the Administrator of DACF releases quarterly allocations to MMD Assemblies,
- Establishment of Disability Fund Management Committees (DFMC),
- 2% component is transferred to the District Disability Fund A/c for safe keeping,
- District Assemblies informs the DFMC of the arrival of the fund and the quantum,
- Chairperson of DFMSC summons a meeting to vet applications received from individual PWDs as well as Organizations of Persons with Disability,
- DFMC approves or recommends reviews of applications/proposal. A memo is then issued, signed by the Chairperson to the MMD Chief Executive indicating approvals made and to request for release of funds
- Upon approval by the MMD Chief Executive, the MMD Co-coordinating Director and the MMD Finance Officer Signs cheques to relevant individuals or groups recommended for support.
- The DFMC then monitors beneficiaries and offer guidance/advice to them as and when necessary.
- The DFMC presents a report every quarter to the Assembly indicating amounts disbursed, number and type of beneficiaries, areas of support and general recommendations for improving the process.
The GFD is of a strong conviction that the adoption of the proposed guidelines will enhance the disbursement and effective utilization of the fund while curbing the perennial conflicts. |
