A high-level delegation of traditional leaders from Namibia has paid a working visit to Ghana to deepen understanding and foster collaboration on governance, land management, and community development. The six-member delegation, led by Chief Immanuel Gaseb, Chairperson of the Namibia Traditional Authority Council, arrived in Accra on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

The visit focused on Ghana’s integration of traditional leadership into the national governance structure, particularly its role in sustainable development, local economic empowerment, and land administration. The delegation held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) and engaged with selected Paramount Chiefs to explore how traditional institutions in Ghana are actively involved in addressing community needs and promoting inclusive growth.

One of the key areas of interest was Ghana’s management of stool lands and the role of the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands in mobilizing royalties and internal funds to support development. The delegation sought to learn how traditional authorities participate in investment opportunities and leverage natural resources to promote rural economic growth.

The delegation also studied Ghana’s land tenure and dispute resolution systems; areas where traditional leaders in both countries play pivotal roles. The Namibian chiefs were keen to identify effective and adaptable land governance practices that ensure equitable access and sustainable use.

To support the visit, MLGCRA presented a detailed overview of Ghana’s chieftaincy structure, showcasing how traditional leadership is woven into the country’s governance fabric. This presentation highlighted the active role traditional leaders play in policymaking, dispute resolution, local development, and national cohesion.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, described the visit as timely and strategic, reinforcing South-South cooperation and mutual learning. “This is more than a study tour, it’s a shared opportunity to build knowledge and strengthen collaboration on how traditional institutions can be drivers of development,” he stated.

The Namibian delegation expressed appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality and depth of experience, noting that the visit offered practical insights to support ongoing reforms in Namibia’s traditional governance and rural development sectors.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

The Director of the Global Department for Social Development at the World Bank, Mr. Robin Mearns, has praised the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs for the significant progress made in implementing the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project.

The Director noted that the foundational infrastructure established through the project has provided substantial and lasting benefits, particularly in promoting community resilience and social unity.

This commendation was expressed during a courtesy visit to the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to discuss the ongoing SOCO Project. The meeting highlighted the commitment of both organisations to enhance social cohesion and community development in the region.

The World Bank's Social Director highlighted the importance of local partnerships in achieving the project's goals. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the Ministry's efforts in implementing effective policies and programmes that align with community needs. "Collaboration is essential for creating lasting change," the Director stated, emphasising the World Bank's role as a supportive ally in the region's development journey.

In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Ibrahim emphasised that the SOCO Project is a crucial initiative aimed at fostering social harmony and development in the area. He noted that it has begun to improve community engagement, strengthen local governance, and promote sustainable development practices across the Northern Regions.

He expressed the Government's gratitude for the World Bank's support and recognised the critical role of the SOCO Project in advancing social cohesion.

Hon. Ibrahim underscored the necessity for further dialogue to raise the profile of the SOCO Project, which has provided a broader framework for resilience. The successful implementation of 4,495 initiatives outlined in the project has already benefited over 400,000 individuals as part of its objectives.

A two-day national stakeholder validation workshop on the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy (NSUPS) has officially opened at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Accra. The event, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), is being held in collaboration with UN-Habitat.

The workshop aims to finalise the NSUPS document through extensive consultation and collective input, ensuring that the strategy is inclusive, practical, and grounded in the realities of urban Ghana. The NSUPS is a key national policy framework designed to improve living conditions in existing slums and prevent the emergence of new ones, an objective that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11; to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, the Director in Charge of Local Governance and Decentralisation, Pln Samuel Seth Passah highlighted the urbanisation challenges confronting Ghana. He noted that more than 56% of the population now resides in urban areas, with projections suggesting this figure could rise to 65% in the near future. He therefore stressed the importance of a well-structured and actionable strategy to guide the physical development of cities and the equitable provision of services.

He also expressed appreciation for the contributions of various institutions throughout the development process and acknowledged the technical and financial support provided by UN-Habitat. He urged participants to bring their diverse expertise to bear in validating the draft document to ensure it adequately addresses the complex issues of urban poverty and slum development.

The workshop drew a wide range of participants, including representatives from key sector Ministries; Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Finance; Works and Housing; Gender, Children and Social Protection; Lands and Natural Resources; and Sanitation and Water Resources. Also in attendance are officials from the Ghana Statistical Service, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and several Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), such as Accra Metropolitan and Tema Metropolitan Assemblies.

The inclusive nature of the workshop is expected to enrich the NSUPS with diverse perspectives, expertise, and insights paving the way for a well-coordinated national approach to slum upgrading and prevention.

UN-Habitat, a key technical partner in the process, reaffirmed its support for Ghana’s efforts in tackling urban informality and promoting sustainable urban development.

As the workshop continues, stakeholders are expected to build consensus on priority actions, institutional roles, and implementation modalities that will guide the execution of the strategy nationwide.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)