Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, has called for bold reforms to strengthen decentralisation and deepen responsive governance across the country. Delivering the keynote address at the Maiden National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance held from 25th to 26th September 2025 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, she said the government’s Reset Agenda places decentralisation at the heart of national development, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people and that resources match responsibilities at the local level.

Highlighting progress made, the Vice President announced that over GH¢2 billion has been disbursed through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to support local development and improve service delivery. She said this demonstrates government’s resolve to make the long-standing principle that “funds must follow functions” a living reality rather than a slogan. She added that decentralisation must also promote participation and accountability so that citizens’ voices shape priorities and Assemblies are empowered to respond effectively.

Reaffirming government’s commitments, Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted plans to increase DACF allocations, advance discussions on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and enhance Assemblies’ capacity to generate and manage revenues. “The next time a child walks into a classroom, a mother visits a health centre, or a farmer seeks extension services, they should feel the hand of government not as something distant in Accra, but as something responsive in their very community,” she said.

The Vice President commended the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) and its Secretariat for advancing reforms, noting the ongoing formulation of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy (2026–2030). She assured that government would continue to strengthen and resource the Committee to ensure effective coordination across sectors. “A strong and empowered IMCC is both a guarantee of effective policy coordination and a statement of our unwavering commitment to make decentralisation the driver of responsive governance and improved service delivery,” she affirmed.

She urged all stakeholders , government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector to treat the Dialogue as a call to collective action that redefines how citizens experience government in their daily lives. According to her, “the outcomes of this dialogue will shape how Ghana governs itself and how every citizen experiences government.”

The two-day National Dialogue, held under the theme “Resetting Decentralisation for Responsive Local Governance and Effective Service Delivery,” brought together ministers of state, Members of Parliament, local government officials, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society actors to chart a renewed direction for Ghana’s decentralisation framework for 2026–2030.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Saturday, October 5, 2025, joined hundreds of Christians and worshippers at the National Theatre in Accra for Shabach Praise 2025, a national praise and worship festival organized under the auspices of Jack Alolome Ministries.

The event brought together people from all walks of life in an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving, and worship to God for His enduring goodness and mercies upon Ghana.

Hon. Ibrahim’s participation underscored government’s recognition of the role of faith-based organizations in promoting unity, peace, and moral development across the country.

Speaking briefly at the event, the Minister commended Jack Alolome Ministries for creating a platform that brings believers together in gratitude to God, noting that such moments of collective worship strengthen national cohesion and reinforce the nation’s spiritual foundation.

He further emphasized that Ghana’s peace and progress are sustained not only through effective governance but also through divine grace and the shared faith of its people.

The National Theatre was charged with powerful ministrations from gospel artistes and choirs, drawing the congregation into moments of deep reflection and vibrant celebration.

The evening concluded with collective prayers and songs of thanksgiving for Ghana’s continued peace, unity, and prosperity.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim, has described the Church as “the conscience of the nation,” emphasising its crucial role in shaping moral vision, civic responsibility, and national transformation.
He made the statement when he joined the congregation of Royal House Chapel International during the climax of its annual convention, the “Convention of Saints,” held in Accra on Sunday, 5th October 2025.
The Minister, who also serves as Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency, attended the service in the company of his Deputy, Honourable Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, to fellowship with the church and extend President John Dramani Mahama’s warm felicitations to the Apostle General and the congregation.
In his remarks, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim commended Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah and the leadership of Royal House Chapel for their continued dedication to building strong moral foundations and nurturing responsible citizenship. He also acknowledged the Church universal for its timeless role in inspiring positive change, strengthening communities, and complementing the work of leadership in advancing the cause of human progress and national development.
“The Church remains the conscience of our society,” the Minister stated. “The solutions to the challenges confronting our country lie with the Church. It is through the moral and spiritual reawakening of our people that we can achieve the Ghana we all desire.”
He further requested prayers for divine guidance and strength to fulfil his mandate and called for continuous intercession for His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, that God may grant him wisdom to govern the nation sustainably for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also extended the President’s appreciation to the Royal House Chapel family for their steadfast prayers and unwavering support for national peace, unity, and good governance.
The climax of the “Convention of Saints” was marked by vibrant worship, prayer, and thanksgiving, reflecting the enduring partnership between faith and leadership in Ghana’s journey toward renewal and sustainable national development.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit