News:
February 13, 2026
A Member of Parliament has revealed the significant challenges opposition lawmakers faced in securing development projects for their constituencies under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
According to Helen Adjoa Ntoso, the former Volta Regional Minister who also is the MP for Krachi West, the situation forced opposition legislators to be extremely prudent and innovative with their limited resources.
Speaking in an interview, Ntoso explained that she could not afford to mismanage her share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). She noted that although the fund was insufficient, she utilized it judiciously to address critical needs, such as providing school infrastructure to ensure children no longer studied under trees.
Drawing a parallel to the era of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under Jerry John Rawlings, she recounted how limited resources led to the construction of pavilions, many of which still stand today. “I did the same in my constituency. I used my common fund to build nice pavilions, and the people are happy with them. Imagine those who were learning under trees now having a proper place to study,” she said.
Ntoso revealed that she often teased members of the then-ruling NPP about her achievements despite their access to more substantial state resources. She highlighted her focus on island communities, where she constructed health posts to improve access to healthcare. “I provided two to three health posts for nurses to stay on the islands. Previously, residents had to travel several nautical miles to access healthcare at the main hospital. Now, they can go there for basic healthcare.”
She further noted that with the current governance structure, decentralization is being experienced more effectively because funds are being channeled directly to the local level. This has enabled the completion of several projects initiated by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration that had been left unfinished.
Ntoso praised the new policy that allows Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to undertake legacy projects with their allocated funds. “Now, when you have your money as an MMDCE, you can build three school blocks, three CHPS compounds, and three boreholes. It is a good vision,” she stated.
She expressed optimism that by the end of President John Mahama’s tenure, the various Assemblies would have completed four CHPS compounds each, significantly boosting primary healthcare.
In addition to these projects, Ntoso highlighted ongoing efforts to reshape and improve bad roads. “It’s a good policy, and when things are done well—and I believe they will be—Ghana is going to be a good place to be,” she concluded.
By Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com