As part of efforts to show solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has made donations to several Muslim communities in the Greater Accra Region. Among the beneficiaries was the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, which received 20 bags of rice, 20 bags of sugar, and an undisclosed sum of money to support their Ramadan activities.

During his visit, Minister Ibrahim held discussions with leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, addressing key concerns and stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence. One major issue raised was the challenge faced by Muslim students in some mission schools, where they are not allowed to practice certain aspects of their faith. The minister assured that a joint effort involving the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and leaders of faith-based institutions would be initiated to resolve the matter amicably and ensure religious rights are upheld.

In addition, Minister Ibrahim shared that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the establishment of a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service. This initiative aims to unite both Christian and Muslim communities in a spirit of harmony and respect. A special committee, consisting of representatives from different religious groups, will be formed to oversee the planning and execution of this national event.

The leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission expressed deep appreciation for the minister’s visit and support. The Head and Missionary in-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Alhaji Maulvi Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, presented Islamic literature to the minister as a token of gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering religious tolerance and national development.

This engagement reflects the government’s continued efforts to support faith-based communities and ensure that issues affecting religious groups are addressed in a fair and inclusive manner.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/ Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Dome Market in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency is set to receive much-needed improvements following a visit by the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Hon. Rita Naa Odoley-Sowah, on Friday, March 14, 2025. This visit was in direct response to concerns raised by market women about infrastructural and operational difficulties hampering their businesses.

The engagement follows a high-level meeting between the market women and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Thursday, March 13. Led by Ing. Dr. Desmond Aryee-Boi of the Resource Mobilisation Foundation (RMF), the traders highlighted pressing issues such as severe flooding due to an inadequate drainage system, a lack of sheds and stalls, and poor sanitation. The traders lamented that during heavy rains, the market becomes virtually unusable, making it difficult for them to operate. They also decried the scarcity of accessible and affordable trading spaces.

In response, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim tasked the Deputy Minister, the Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Hon. Elikplim Akurugu, and other key stakeholders to visit the market to assess the situation firsthand. Ing. Dr. Aryee-Boi accompanied the team to provide expert insights into the market’s challenges, ensuring that the concerns of the traders were fully understood by the officials.

Upon arrival, the delegation witnessed the market’s dire state. They noted that many constructed stalls remained locked due to high rental costs or had been allocated to individuals who do not actively trade in the market, leaving many spaces unoccupied while genuine traders struggled for room. The drainage system was found to be highly inadequate, exacerbating the problem of flooding during rainy periods. Additionally, sanitation facilities were in poor condition, raising health concerns.

The Deputy Minister and the MP acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the market women that immediate steps would be taken to rectify the challenges. The government has committed to upgrading the drainage system to prevent recurrent flooding, constructing more accessible and affordable stalls for traders to operate without hindrance, improving sanitation facilities to ensure a healthier market environment, and reviewing stall allocation processes to ensure that legitimate traders have access to available spaces.

These interventions are expected to commence soon, with a phased implementation plan to ensure lasting solutions.

The planned facelift of Dome Market is a significant step toward improving the livelihoods of the traders and enhancing the overall functionality of one of the constituency’s major economic hubs. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a supportive business environment for market women, recognizing their role in local economic development.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/ Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The leadership of market women from the Dome Market in the Greater Accra Region has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to congratulate him on his appointment and present key challenges affecting their operations at the market, seeking his intervention.

The delegation, led by Ing. Dr. Desmond Aryee-Boi from the Resource Mobilisation Foundation (RMF), met with the Minister on Thursday, March 13, to discuss critical concerns impacting their businesses. They highlighted major issues such as frequent flooding due to an improper drainage system, a lack of adequate sheds and stalls, and poor sanitation. The women emphasized that whenever it rains, the market becomes almost inaccessible, disrupting their trade and making it difficult to conduct business. Additionally, they raised concerns about the limited availability of selling spaces, which continues to hinder their economic activities.

In response, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledged their concerns and assured them of the Ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. He underscored the vital role market women play in the local economy and pledged to engage the appropriate agencies to address the challenges presented.

As an immediate step, the Minister directed the Deputy Minister, alongside the Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Hon. Elikplim Akurugu, and other key stakeholders, to visit the market the following day to assess the situation firsthand. This visit is expected to facilitate a more informed approach to resolving the issues raised.

The engagement underscores the government’s dedication to improving market infrastructure and supporting traders in enhancing their economic activities. The Minister encouraged continued dialogue and collaboration to drive meaningful improvements within the Dome Market and other trading

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)