“Ghana’s Minister for Local Government Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Drive Decentralization and Local Governance Reforms”

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) of Ghana, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving decentralization and local governance reforms in the country. The Minister made this call at the inauguration of a distinguished body comprising key stakeholders in the local government sector.

The body includes the Honorable Deputy Minister for Local Government, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, the Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, the Head of Local Government Service, and representatives from the Charismatic, Pentecostal, Islamic, and National House of Chiefs.

The Minister stressed that the diversity of talent and background on the board is essential for providing strategic advice, strengthening policy direction, and ensuring participatory decision-making that reflects the aspirations of the Ghanaian people at all levels. He emphasized that the board will serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility, helping the ministry to remain responsive and accountable in the execution of its mandate.

The Minister noted that the ministry plays a pivotal role in community decentralization, local governance, and managing chieftaincy and religious affairs, and improving service delivery at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District levels. He emphasized that these tasks are multi-dimensional and require not only technical expertise but also strong partnership, mutual trust, and visionary leadership.

The Minister highlighted that the ministry’s work will support the NDC government’s flagship programs, including the 24-hour economy, the Big Push Infrastructure Plan, and the youth and women-focused initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive governance, improved sanitation, and urban development, and capacity building.

The Minister’s call for collaborative efforts to drive decentralization and local governance reforms is a step in the right direction towards promoting inclusive governance and improving service delivery in Ghana. With the right partnerships and leadership, the ministry can make significant progress in achieving its goals and improving the lives of Ghanaians.