Rural development must be intentional, gradual, and well-integrated if Ghana is to achieve balanced national growth, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, MP, has stated.

The Minister made this observation during a courtesy meeting with the Director and Management of the Institute for Rural Development and Innovation Studies (IRDIS) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who called to congratulate him on his appointment and to discuss areas of collaboration on rural development.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim welcomed the Institute’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the National Rural Development Policy, describing the support as critical to addressing key national challenges, including rural-urban migration and unplanned urban expansion.

He noted that strengthening rural development systems would help improve livelihoods in rural communities, reduce pressure on urban centres, and contribute to improved food security, better access to healthcare, reduced social vices, and lower unemployment levels.

The meeting discussed areas of collaboration such as promoting sustainable rural livelihoods, institutional capacity strengthening for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and traditional authorities, and technical support to the Ministry in implementing the National Rural Development Policy.

IRDIS also indicated its readiness to support the Ministry through graduate-level training in rural development, research, and innovation to build the human capacity required to drive inclusive rural transformation.

Both parties expressed commitment to sustaining the collaboration to support Ghana’s rural development agenda.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PR Unit

The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Chairperson for the Technical Working Group on Standardization and Regulation of Signages, Hon. Rita Na Odoley Sowah has the Committee will on Saturday, 20^th December 2025 will lead a monitoring exercise focused on the regulation of signages and removal of advertising billboards mounted at unauthorized locations.

The exercise forms part of government’s broader urban management and beautification drive, aimed at ensuring public safety, environmental order, and visual harmony in cities and towns across the country.

Briefing the media after inspecting some selected Municipal Assemblies in Greater Accra Region on Wednesday, 17^th December, 2025, as part of the National Sanitation exercise ahead of Christmas, Hon. Sowah emphasized the need for strict adherence to approved guidelines governing the installation of billboards, shop signages, and outdoor advertising structures.

She noted that improperly mounted signages pose significant risks, including obstruction of visibility, distraction to motorists, structural hazards, and degradation of the urban landscape. The Deputy Minister stressed that enforcement actions are not intended to stifle business activity but to promote order, safety, and compliance with planning regulations.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have a responsibility to enforce signage regulations consistently and fairly. She called on advertising companies, business owners, and property developers to cooperate with local authorities and ensure that all installations receive the necessary approvals before mounting.

Hon Sowah further indicated that the Technical Working Committee will continue to work closely with relevant agencies, including urban roads authorities and environmental health officers, to sustain routine inspections and enforcement.

According to her, the signage monitoring initiative complements the ongoing National Sanitation Exercise, aimed at reinforcing government’s commitment to clean, safe, and well-organized urban spaces ahead of Christmas and beyond.

She gave the assurance that the Ministry will continue to engage stakeholders and the media to educate businesses on signage standards while maintaining firm enforcement against persistent violations.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

A monitoring team from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, led by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Directorate, on Tuesday, 16th December 2025 visited some selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region as part of activities marking the Christmas edition of the National Sanitation Week.

The exercise assessed leadership involvement, community participation and adherence to the Minister’s directive for citizens and local authorities to take ownership of their immediate environments.

Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating strong leadership presence and proactive sanitation action. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Musah Kalamu, led clean-up activities personally, working alongside community members. The Assembly commenced sanitation activities without reliance on contractors and outlined a structured plan to move from community to community. Hon. Kalamu further disclosed that the installation and maintenance of streetlights will be done by the Ministry of Energy, while they focus on painting areas they have already cleaned. The Ministry commended Ablekuma North for responding decisively to the Minister’s call and setting a positive example for other Assemblies.

At Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Frank Nkansah, was present on the ground with assembly members supervising the painting of pathways and the medians. He stressed the importance of residents taking ownership of their frontage and safeguarding public infrastructure such as streetlights. Hon. Nkansah noted that the Assembly has engaged traditional authorities and religious leaders to support sustained public sensitisation, adding that he personally joins churches and mosques to reinforce sanitation messages.

When the team got to Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly, sanitation activities were observed along major roads and medians, with community members involved in painting exercises. The Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Mable Frimpong, together with the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. George Emmanuel Kpakpo Allotey, monitored the process.

At the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, the MCE, Mr. Felix Odartey Lamtey, mobilised assembly members and youth groups to clear weeds along major streets. He acknowledged challenges with resident participation but indicated that painting works would follow. A “bola taxi” was on standby to evacuate collected waste.

Similarly, at Ga South Municipal Assembly, the MCE, Hon. Moses Ocansey, led assembly members, youth groups and staff to clean the beaches, supported by waste management trucks to ensure timely evacuation of waste. The exercise forms part of efforts to prepare the coastline for the Christmas season.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA