Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has revealed that all 9,090 assembly members across the country received monthly allowances of more than GHS1,000 between April and December 2025, marking what he described as a major step in recognising and motivating grassroots leadership.

According to him, the payments were in line with a directive by President John Dramani Mahama, who approved a monthly allowance of GHS1,300 for each assembly member.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, April 20, he explained that although the approved amount was GHS1,300, deductions such as taxes meant that each member ultimately received slightly above GHS1,000.

Ibrahim noted that since Ghana began practising decentralisation in 1988, assembly members had largely gone unrecognised, with little motivation or financial support despite their critical role in local governance.

He stressed that the introduction of the allowance represents a turning point, particularly under the leadership of President Mahama, who he said understands the importance of empowering local government actors.

“All the 9,090 assembly members were paid GHS1,300, and after tax deductions, each received more than GHS1,000 for every month from April to December 2025,” he stated.

The minister further disclosed that government is preparing to pay allowances for the first quarter of 2026, expressing confidence that the policy will be sustained.

He added that having successfully implemented the payments in 2025, the government remains committed to continuing the initiative in 2026 to ensure assembly members remain motivated to carry out their duties effectively.