The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to apply strict fiscal discipline and transparency in managing the historic GHC25 million transfer allocated to each Assembly in 2025. He made the call during the National Capacity Building Programme on Leadership and Governance, IGF-ESG Frameworks, and Public Procurement Management held in Accra in June 2025.

The Minister explained that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to strengthen local governance and ensure equitable development across districts. He noted that the 2025 allocation marks a significant break from past transfers, representing a direct release of at least 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to the MMDAs, compared to previous years when less than 50 percent reached the Assemblies after central deductions.

Drawing parallels from Indonesia’s early 2000s “Big Bang” fiscal decentralisation, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim cautioned that sudden large-scale fiscal transfers could lead to inefficiency, weak supervision, and corruption if not properly managed. He cited Indonesia’s experience, where increased transfers without adequate local capacity initially resulted in mismanagement and corruption before reforms later restored stability.

To prevent similar pitfalls, the Minister outlined key oversight measures including the development of utilization guidelines that preserve local autonomy, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and empowering Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) to conduct spot checks. He further emphasized the need for Assemblies to report quarterly on the use of funds before additional transfers are made.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also called for transparency through the regular publication of fund utilization reports and citizen engagement via newsletters and local newspapers. He stressed that any MMDAs found misapplying funds would face immediate sanctions to deter misuse and maintain public confidence in Ghana’s decentralisation framework.

He reminded Assemblies that the GHC25 million allocation does not replace their obligation to mobilize Internally Generated Funds (IGFs), but rather complements it. “Accountability must remain at the heart of our governance at all levels. Fiscal empowerment should go hand in hand with fiscal responsibility,” he said.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the historic transfers strengthen local governance, accelerate grassroots development, and deepen fiscal decentralisation without compromising integrity and accountability.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, led a delegation to pay a courtesy visit to Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, to congratulate him on his elevation.

During the visit, the UENR team presented symbolic caps won in a recent academic debate, a celebration of the University’s intellectual vigor and spirit of excellence.

In the final segment of the meeting, matters directly affecting the University were tabled for attention. The discussion was held in the presence of Hon. Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and centred on key institutional challenges requiring support and collaboration between the University and the Ministry.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit

Government is taking steps to resolve the proliferation of sprouting billboards and signages across the country to help maintain a cleaner, and more visible environment in all major cities in Ghana by providing appropriate guidelines.

The move is being initiated through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) seeks to restore order, safety, and beauty in Ghana’s urban spaces while ensuring compliance with national planning and environmental standards.

At the inauguration of the Technical Working Committee  in Accra to oversee the regulation and standardisation of signages in cities across the country, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah in her acceptance speech as the chairperson of the committee, expressed appreciation to the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, for his visionary leadership and commitment to restoring order and environmental integrity in Ghana’s cities.

She noted that the uncontrolled display of billboards and other signages had long compromised the aesthetic and environmental quality of urban areas. She was of the firm believe that the establishment of this Technical Working Committee is timely and strategic, a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to promoting cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing cities.

Hon. Sowah emphasized that the Committee would work diligently to develop practical and enforceable guidelines that integrate safety, environmental protection, and cultural identity. She gave the assurance that they will work within the broad policy direction outlined by the Hon. Minister to produce comprehensive regulations that not only address current challenges but also anticipate future needs.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the success of the initiative would depend on stakeholder engagement and public education, adding that the Committee will ensure that public awareness, education, and consultation forms part of the process.

She said urban beautification is a necessity for national development, as a well-ordered city reflects discipline, responsibility, and pride in the shared spaces. According to her, when skylines are regulated it sends a powerful message that Ghana values order, safety, and aesthetics just as much as economic growth.

The multi-sectorial committee has key institutions such as National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads, Ministry of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Institute of Engineers and planners, Department of Parks and Gardens, Attorney-General’s Department, National Development Planning Commission, Police Motor Transport and Traffic Department and the Advertising Association of Ghana.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Chief Director of MLGCRA, Alhaji Amin Abdul -Rahaman indicated that the Committee is expected to collaborate with relevant agencies to produce standardised guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of signages in urban areas, ensuring they align with Ghana’s planning and safety regulations.

He further noted that the committee has been tasked to formulate uniform guidelines for permit issuance, ensure safety and zoning compliance, develop enforcement mechanisms, and create a centralized digital database of approved signages. The committee is also expected to review existing laws and recommend amendments where necessary to align with international standards.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA