The two-day Regional-Based Sensitisation Workshop on the Local Economic Development (LED) (2024–2029) Policy in Sunyani, Bono Region, has concluded successfully, offering participants a platform to engage, learn, and collaborate on strategies for promoting inclusive local economic growth. Organised with support from key stakeholders, the workshop aimed to deepen understanding of the LED Policy and foster regional-level commitment to its implementation.

The second day of the workshop featured insightful presentations, beginning with an overview of the Support to the Private and Financial Sector Program (PFS) by GIZ. This presentation underscored GIZ’s role in strengthening local economies through inclusive support systems. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) followed with a comprehensive breakdown of the LED Policy’s objectives and implementation framework, aligning national goals with local development efforts.

Participants were also introduced to the LED Practitioners Manual, a practical guide designed to facilitate the policy's implementation at the local level. Another key highlight was the presentation on the Regional Network for Inclusive Local Economic Development (NILED) by GIZ, which emphasised the importance of fostering partnerships and collaboration among development actors. A plenary session provided space for participants to ask questions, clarify concerns, and share perspectives on the presented topics, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the policy framework.

In the afternoon, attendees were divided into thematic sub-groups to deliberate on specific focus areas, including Business Development Services, Employment Promotion Services, Finance, Insurance and Pensions Services, Skills Development Services, and Infrastructure Development Services. Each group identified key challenges and proposed actionable recommendations to support effective policy implementation. The group presentations reflected the depth of expertise and the shared commitment to driving local economic growth.

The workshop wrapped up on a high note, with participants expressing a renewed sense of purpose and clarity regarding their roles in implementing the LED Policy. The interactive and collaborative nature of the sessions fostered stronger networks and enhanced understanding among stakeholders. With greater regional alignment and collective enthusiasm, the outcomes of the Sunyani workshop signal a hopeful trajectory for inclusive and sustainable local economic development across Ghana

SOURCE: Sanda Owusu Asamoah

MLGCA Public Relations Unit

Ghana has reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing sustainable development in West Africa as it hosts the three-day West Africa Regional Workshop on Waste Management and Circular Economy at the Alisa Hotel, Accra.

The high-level forum, convened by the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has brought together ministers, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society representatives from across the sub-region. The workshop aims to bridge data gaps, enhance technical capacity, and drive evidence-based policymaking in the waste management and circular economy sector.

Welcoming participants, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs of Ghana, underscored the urgency of rethinking waste as a resource rather than a burden. He noted that rapid urbanisation, population growth, and shifting consumption patterns are stretching waste systems across West Africa.

“The challenge before us is not only how to dispose of waste safely, but how to transform waste into resources, opportunities, and drivers for sustainable development. For us in Ghana and across the sub-region, the goal is to build a waste sector that is not a burden, but a catalyst for sustainable development,” the Minister stressed.

He further highlighted Ghana’s designation as the West Africa Regional Hub for policy support on waste management and resource circularity, calling for frank, forward-looking deliberations that would yield practical recommendations for the sub-region.

Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, shared Liberia’s bold reforms under its 2024 National Solid Waste Management Policy. He cited innovative projects such as Green Guard Eco-Solution’s waste-to-energy systems and the Transformative Climate Action Pilot Project supported by Canada, which are creating jobs, producing clean energy, and generating reliable waste data. He emphasised the need for financing to scale such initiatives across the region.

Representing the UN, Mr. Chun Kyoo Park, Head of UNOSD, described waste management as one of the most pressing barriers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stressed the importance of reliable data and inclusive approaches, introducing the Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy Support System (WMPSS), which Ghana is championing as a regional model.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Kyongsig Park, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting West Africa’s transition to a circular economy. He acknowledged Ghana’s strides, including the National Plastics Management Policy and regional recycling initiatives, describing them as exemplary for the sub-region.

The workshop comes at a pivotal time, with only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Stakeholders will over the next three days deliberate on financing, policy, regulation, technology, and community engagement, with the aim of building waste systems that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

An Ethiopian delegation led by Eng. Wondimu Seta, City Manager of Addis Ababa in the rank of Deputy Mayor, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to engage in discussions on sanitation and sustainable waste management across the value chain.

The visit forms part of Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its sanitation systems through a partnership with the Jospong Group of Companies, which is spearheading a major initiative to transform Addis Ababa into a cleaner and more resilient city. The delegation’s mission to Ghana was therefore to assess and verify the company’s expertise, capacity, and track record, particularly in infrastructure, equipment, and operational processes given its experience in delivering waste management solutions across several African countries.

Addressing the Minister, Eng. Wondimu Seta underscored the urgency of investing in modern waste management solutions, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres where population increase continues to exert pressure on sanitation systems. He commended Ghana for the strides it has made in the sector, praising the landmark interventions and innovative contributions of Ghanaian waste management companies.

“Population growth demands proper and efficient waste management across the entire sanitation value chain. Ghana has demonstrated that African countries can develop homegrown solutions of international standard. It is time Africans rely on African capacity,” he said.

The Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed government’s pride in the accomplishments of local companies, whose expertise has positioned Ghana as a sanitation solutions hub on the continent. He emphasized that the achievement of the private sector has been key in driving progress, with Ghanaian companies standing out along the entire value chain. While highlighting these strides and landmark achievements, he stressed that more work remains to be done as a country and that there is always room for improvement.

He encouraged Ethiopia to remain steadfast in consolidating its sanitation gains, stressing that effective waste management is essential for maintaining the beauty and competitiveness of Addis Ababa’s tourism industry.

In closing, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim noted: “Sanitation is not the work of government alone. It is the result of deliberate collaboration between the state and a vibrant private sector. Our progress in Ghana is proof that when both sides play their roles with commitment and vision, the results can place Africa on the global stage.”

The meeting highlighted Ghana’s growing reputation in providing innovative sanitation solutions and reinforced the importance of regional cooperation in tackling Africa’s pressing urban challenges.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA