Dzifa Gomashie calls for a review of the District Assemblies Acts

Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament for Ketu-South and Minister-Designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, has called for a review of the District Assemblies Acts. Speaking during her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Gomashie stressed that revising the Acts, particularly in relation to tourism, would benefit young, talented individuals.

She stated, “The District Assemblies Acts should be reviewed, and as a lawyer, I will need your help with that. The district assemblies have the opportunity to develop tourism in their communities, and I would be happy to work with them so that the idea of establishing centres of national culture across the country can be revisited.”

Gomashie also pointed out the potential for tourism to create opportunities for young, creative individuals. “I believe it is an area with great potential for young people to take advantage of, and I will work with you to make that happen,” she added.

The District Assemblies Acts, which include the Assemblies Common Fund Act, 1993 (Act 455), the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462), and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), govern the structure and functions of local government bodies in Ghana.

Gomashie appeared before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee for her vetting, which is part of the process to confirm her as the substantive minister. This marks the committee’s fourth sitting, as they expedite the vetting process to enable President John Dramani Mahama to form his government. Gomashie was nominated for the role on January 16, 2025, in a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

Having previously served as Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture under President Mahama’s administration from 2013 to 2017, Gomashie is also a two-term Member of Parliament for Ketu South, where she has been an advocate for development and community empowerment.