The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has commended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Madina, for its remarkable contributions to spiritual growth, education, and community development over the past six decades.

Speaking at the climax of the Church’s 60th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, the Minister, on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, extended heartfelt congratulations to the parish community for their enduring legacy of faith, service, and sacrifice since the church’s establishment in 1965.

“The role of the Church in national development cannot be overstated. Across the country, faith-based organisations, especially the Catholic Church, have made significant contributions to education, health care, moral guidance, peacebuilding, and community development,” Hon. Ibrahim noted.

The celebration, held under the theme “The Eucharist, Re-Evangelisation and the Youth”, was described by the Minister as both timely and profound, resonating with Ghana’s national priorities of spiritual renewal, responsible youth development, and communal peace.

He lauded the Church’s initiative to raise funds for an educational facility on its Abokobi land, describing it as aligned with government’s vision of promoting quality education. “This effort is commendable and supports the mission of raising future generations equipped with knowledge, values, and vision,” he added.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to empowering the youth, Hon. Ibrahim highlighted several programmes spearheaded under President Mahama, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Presidential Business Support Programme, the Greenhouse Initiative, the Student Entrepreneurship Initiative, and the Campus Business Pitch. He further revealed plans by his Ministry to implement 24-hour markets in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as part of the President’s 24-hour Economy initiative.

“These interventions are designed to ensure inclusivity, practical skills development, and sustained opportunities for our young people, while keeping the economy active around the clock,” he stressed.

Drawing inspiration from Colossians 3:23-24, the Minister reminded both government and religious leaders that true leadership is service rooted in love, compassion, and truth.

Hon. Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony P. Didongo, SMA, the Planning Committee chaired by Prof. Akwesi Mensah-Bonsu, and the entire parish for their warm hospitality. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Church, urging parishioners to remain steadfast in nurturing the youth as a bulwark against destructive influences.

“As you climax this year-long celebration, I pray that God continues to bless Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with divine favour, spiritual growth, and impactful service to society. Congratulations, and Happy 60th Anniversary,” he concluded.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has held a strategic meeting with the Ministry of Health to deliberate on the design and construction of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compounds across the country.

The engagement stems from the mandate of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) formula, which enjoins Assemblies to prioritize, among other development initiatives, the provision of CHPS Compounds to expand access to healthcare at the community level.

The discussions focused on developing standardized, cost-effective, and solution-driven designs that will strengthen healthcare delivery within Ghana’s local governance structures. The aim is to ensure that CHPS Compounds, which serve as the first point of contact for healthcare at the grassroots, are not only fit for purpose but also sustainable and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

Some draft designs were tabled during the meeting, with inputs from both Ministries to improve functionality, efficiency, and accessibility. The collaborative effort is expected to streamline the construction process across districts, reduce cost overruns, and guarantee that facilities delivered under the DACF directly contribute to government’s broader development agenda.

This partnership underscores government’s commitment to deepening inter-ministerial collaboration in pursuit of inclusive and equitable development, while ensuring that healthcare delivery at the local level receives the needed attention and innovation.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, together with his Deputy, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, on Thursday led a delegation from the Ministry to Kumasi to join His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in observing the one-week rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

The Ministry’s participation formed part of its mandate in overseeing chieftaincy matters and demonstrated government’s solidarity with the Asantehene, the royal family, and the entire Ashanti Kingdom during this solemn period.

The one-week observation, held at the Manhyia Palace, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and well-wishers who paid their respects to the revered Queen Mother, whose passing marks the end of an era in Ashanti history.

As part of the commemoration, the royal family formally announced the date for the funeral rites and outlined traditional activities that will precede the final farewell for the late Asantehemaa. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that the final funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa is slated from Sunday 14th September to Thursday,18th September 2025 during which time there will be a ban on all funerals in in the region from the 1st of September until the Asantehemaa is buried.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim expressed the Ministry’s deep condolences to the Asantehene and the royal family, assuring them of government’s continued support as preparations advance towards the funeral, they also made a donation on behalf of the ministry in support of the one-week observation.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who was chosen to ascend the throne on 6th February, 2017  after the passing of her mother the Late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi will be remembered for her dedication to tradition, unity, and the welfare of her people. She served as a pillar of guidance and motherly leadership within the Ashanti Kingdom.

Source : Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA.