By Zobia Zulfqar 
Effia Constituency Member of Parliament Isaac Yaw Boamah has called on the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) to strengthen accountability, transparency and prudent financial management to ensure public resources are used for the benefit of residents.
The lawmaker made the appeal during the Second Ordinary Meeting of the First Session of the Assembly, where members gathered to review key development plans, budget performance and other issues affecting the municipality.
Mr Boamah said local assemblies play a critical role in improving the lives of citizens and must therefore manage public funds with honesty, responsibility and openness. According to him, every cedi spent by the Assembly should deliver measurable benefits to the people who depend on public services.
He stressed that accountability should remain a guiding principle in every decision made by the Assembly. He explained that transparent governance helps build public confidence and ensures that development projects meet the needs of local communities.
The MP noted that the meeting provided Assembly Members with the opportunity to examine the revised 2026 Annual Action Plan, the revised 2026 Composite Budget and several development proposals aimed at improving infrastructure and public services within the municipality.
He urged members to carefully assess each proposal and ensure that available resources are directed toward projects that will have the greatest impact on residents. He said responsible budgeting would help the municipality address pressing challenges while promoting sustainable growth.
Mr Boamah reminded the Assembly that public funds belong to the people and should be managed with the highest level of care. He said citizens expect visible improvements in roads, schools, healthcare, sanitation and other essential services in return for the taxes and public revenue collected by government institutions.
According to the MP, local governments must continue to strengthen internal controls and monitoring systems to ensure that every project is completed on time, within budget and according to approved standards.
He also encouraged Assembly Members to promote openness by providing regular updates on ongoing projects and explaining how public funds are being used. He said this would improve trust between the Assembly and residents while reducing concerns about the management of public resources.
Mr Boamah disclosed that his review of the Assembly’s Composite Budget as of the end of May this year revealed expenditure in certain areas that had exceeded approved budget estimates. He said such findings highlight the need for stronger financial discipline and closer monitoring of spending.
Although he acknowledged that unexpected circumstances can sometimes affect planned expenditure, he stressed that budget overruns should be properly justified and managed in line with financial regulations.
The MP urged Assembly officials to strengthen budget planning and ensure that future spending remains within approved limits unless changes receive the necessary authorisation. He said disciplined financial management would improve efficiency and help the Assembly achieve its development goals.
He further encouraged departments within the Assembly to work closely together to avoid waste, duplication of projects and unnecessary spending. According to him, better coordination would allow limited resources to be used more effectively.
Mr Boamah also highlighted the importance of regular audits and performance reviews. He said these measures help identify weaknesses in financial management and create opportunities to improve service delivery across the municipality.
He called on Assembly Members to put the interests of residents first when making decisions. He said development should remain the primary focus of the Assembly and that political differences should not stand in the way of projects that benefit the public.
The MP expressed confidence that with stronger accountability measures, transparent financial practices and responsible leadership, EKMA could achieve greater progress and deliver better services to the people of Effia and surrounding communities.
He concluded by encouraging the Assembly to maintain high standards of integrity while implementing its development plans. He said effective local governance depends on the proper use of public resources, careful planning and continuous engagement with the people the Assembly serves.
The meeting ended with discussions on the municipality’s revised plans and budget, as Assembly Members considered strategies to improve governance, strengthen financial oversight and accelerate development projects across the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipality.
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