Source: newsthemegh.com/AMA
Members of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) have voted to give their seal of approval to the 2024 Composite Budget amidst cheers as part of continued efforts towards the growth and development of the capital city.
The planned budget, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2024, was approved today, October 24 after extensive debates and discussions among the Assembly Members aimed to address the diverse needs of the AMA’s rapidly growing population and evolving urban landscape.
The approved 2024 Composite Budget encompasses a wide scope of financial allocations, addressing key sectors such as education, healthcare, public infrastructure, and social services and underscores the Assembly’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for their electorates, aiming to tackle the pressing challenges that lie ahead.
The budget estimates a total resource envelope of GHC50,148,655 by 31st December 2024 and is expected to increase by 2.13 per cent from the previous budget estimate of Ghc49,099,751.00 in 2023.
According to the approved budget internally generated fund (IGF) was expected to increase by 7.66 per cent from GHC24,809,808.00 for the year 2023 to GHC26,707,856.00 for the 2024 financial year. A percentage increase of % by the end of the financial year.
The Mayor of Accra in a remark after the approval expressed optimism about the budget’s potential to transform the city positively, stressing that “This budget underscores our commitment to building an Accra that is welcoming, sustainable, and vibrant for all. It’s a testament to the shared vision and dedication of our city’s residents, leaders, and businesses.”
She used the opportunity to salute and appreciate members of the Assembly for their hard work and diverse views and was hopeful they would all be re-elected to continue the good work.
“We are going to work again together as a team when u all come back. God should not forget your good deeds, God should have mercy and bring all of you back to the Assembly… When we are writing history you will all be remembered,” she said.
She reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to find new and innovative ways of mobilising resources internally to fund its developmental needs whilst giving priority to government policies and programmes.
Presiding Member of the AMA, Hon Alfred Adjei who was elated about the approval said the budget sets the course for a promising year ahead, and “we are committed to its implementation for the betterment of our communities.”
He said the approval of the 2024 Composite Budget demonstrates the importance of local governance and the role of Assembly Members in shaping the future of their communities and highlights the ongoing effort to strike a balance between representation, diversity, and effective decision-making at the local level, as Accra continues to grow and evolve.
He expressed appreciation to all technocrats in the Assembly involved in this process and urged other Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to approve their budgets on time for onward submission to parliament.
The AMA is responsible for overseeing local governance, urban planning, and development in the city. It plays a vital role in addressing the growing challenges and opportunities respectively presented by Accra’s rapid urbanization and population growth.
A minute of silence was observed for the departed Assembly Members, a former Mayor of Accra and the Ga Manye, namely Hon. Ebenezer Quaye, Assemblyman Mukose Electoral Area, Hon. Nii Clottey Collison, a government appointee, Hon. E.T Mensah and Naa Dedei Omaedru III respectively.