On December 10, 2024, the Governments of Ghana and Switzerland signed a grant agreement worth 12 million Swiss Francs (approximately USD 14 million) to support the District Assemblies Common Fund Responsiveness Factor Grant (DACF-RFG).
The signing ceremony, held in Accra, was attended by Ghana's Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, and the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, along with other key stakeholders.
The DACF-RFG is a performance-based grant system designed to incentivize Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in local governance. The grant has enabled MMDAs to deliver critical infrastructure, build institutional capacity, and foster greater trust between local authorities and citizens.
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam expressed profound gratitude to the Swiss Government for its unwavering support of Ghana's development agenda. He noted that Switzerland's financial contribution underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations and reflects a shared vision for sustainable development and effective decentralization in Ghana.
Ambassador Simone Giger emphasized that local governance and decentralization are key pillars of Switzerland's support to Ghana. She expressed strong support for the DACF-RFG initiative and, based on her visits to project sites in 12 regions of the country, noted that citizens are direct beneficiaries of the support from the Swiss government. She commended Ghana for the judicious use of the DACF-RFG and reiterated Switzerland's commitment to the success of the program.
The grant aims to strengthen Ghana's decentralized governance systems, enhance accountability, and improve the delivery of essential services at the local level. Despite challenges such as delays in fund disbursement that have occasionally hindered the program's effectiveness, stakeholders expressed optimism about the progress made and their commitment to addressing these issues.
This agreement highlights the ongoing collaboration between Ghana and Switzerland in promoting effective local governance and sustainable development. The financial support is expected to further empower local assemblies, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for citizens across Ghana.
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