Examination of the Financial Record Management Practices in Local Assemblies: A Case Study of Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, Greater Accra Region of Ghana

The general objective of this research was to examine the financial record management practices in local Assemblies using the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana as a case study. The study utilised a sample size of 100 respondents. The research design was quantitative which utilised a questionnaire as the instrument for collecting primary data. Findings from the study revealed that, in relation to the types of financial records that the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly creates, maintains, and uses, Income Statements, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow and Changes in Equity records are mostly created, maintained and used at a rate of 66%, 62%, 51% and 52% respectively based on the functional status of the respondents at the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly. In determining the impact of financial records management in decision making at the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, findings from the study revealed that, financial records management aids in the monitoring of the Assembly's general financial activities since it gives evidence and keeps track of public expenditures that have been expended. Nonetheless, in relation to the impediments facing the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly's financial records management practices, findings from the study revealed that,  inadequate specialized training programmes available for employees to be well abreast and up to date on the latest technology and skills needed in financial records management as well as the large volume of financial records poses as a challenge in managing large volumes of information thus, affecting the effective operations of the Assembly.  Finally, a recommendation given by study was that, the Ayawaso Municipal Assembly should take all the necessary measures in place to make sure their financial management is effective by organising the appropriate financial management training for all employees having a stake in its financial operations as this will aid them keep up with new developments in the budgeting of government projects and programmes.