Wamanafo: Mr Sylvester Peprah, the assembly member for Sabikrom Electoral Area in the Dormaa East District of the Bono Region, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling the Election 2024 campaign promise of paying assembly members monthly allowances.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, presented the 2025 budget statement to Parliament in March this year, announcing that the government had earmarked an amount of GHC 1,000,000 for the payment of monthly allowances to the assembly members.
In an interview at Wamanafo in the district, Mr Peprah stated that the President’s motive may have been driven by his experience as a former assembly member, understanding the challenges faced by assembly members. He explained that they require adequate resources and incentives to perform their duties effectively, serving their constituents and facilitating decision-making processes to strengthen the decentralization concept.
Mr Peprah emphasized the role of assembly members as a link between the communities and the government, highlighting the need for resources to fulfill their responsibilities. He mentioned that they often face multiple social functions, such as attending church events, community gatherings, and school functions, which require travel to remote areas despite limited resources.
He also praised the government for the initiative to establish a Women’s Development Bank, which he believes would empower many women traders to grow their businesses and support their families. Mr Peprah urged the government to expedite the establishment of the bank to alleviate financial burdens on women traders and entrepreneurs.