The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized that decentralisation is the cornerstone of Ghana’s governance and development agenda. He reiterated that empowering local authorities with the necessary resources and autonomy is crucial for sustainable national progress.

Speaking during a courtesy call by Madam Simone Giger, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Mr. Ibrahim highlighted that decentralisation strengthens governance, promotes accountability, and enhances local development. He noted that while Ghana has made significant progress since the introduction of decentralisation reforms in the late 1980s, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges, particularly in resource allocation and institutional capacity building.

Madam Giger commended Ghana’s strides in decentralisation, noting that transferring power and decision-making authority from the central government to local governments and communities is essential for sustainable development. She underscored Switzerland’s longstanding support for Ghana’s decentralisation agenda and reaffirmed the Swiss government’s commitment to deepening technical and financial assistance in this area.

“If Ghana continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering local governments with greater autonomy and authority, we will be delighted to intensify our support,” she stated.

She also acknowledged the critical role of the Constitutional Review Committee in advancing governance reforms, expressing optimism that ongoing constitutional reviews would enhance local governance structures and improve collaboration between central and local authorities.

“Switzerland is excited to be part of this journey, and we are committed to supporting the Constitutional Review Committee’s work to ensure that decentralisation reforms yield the desired impact,” she added.

The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of transparency in managing decentralisation funds. She assured the Minister that the Swiss Embassy would continue to monitor the disbursement and utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to ensure that resources directly benefit municipalities and metropolises.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim lauded Switzerland’s contributions towards strengthening Ghana’s decentralisation process, stating that the government remains steadfast in addressing the challenges associated with local governance. He acknowledged that while Ghana has made significant progress, there is still room for improvement, particularly in financial resource allocation and institutional capacity building.

To reinforce Ghana’s commitment to local governance, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced that the government has pledged to allocate approximately 80 per cent of the DACF directly to district assemblies. This, he stated, would ensure a more effective and equitable distribution of resources to support local development initiatives.

“Clearly, if we are able to walk the talk, Ghana will be a different place altogether,” the Minister affirmed.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klustey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Discussions on strengthening sanitation efforts in Ghana took center stage during a courtesy call by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) on the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. The meeting, held on Monday, March 10, 2025, focused on collaboration, enforcement of sanitation regulations, and strategies to promote cleaner communities nationwide.

Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Basilia Nanbigne, underscored the urgent need for stronger enforcement of sanitation policies, particularly in urban areas where improper waste disposal remains a major challenge. She stressed that sanitation is not just a public health issue but a key factor in national development, calling on the Ministry to intensify efforts at the district level to ensure compliance with sanitation laws.

Welcoming the Coalition’s contributions, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, assured them of the Ministry’s commitment to integrating their expertise into national strategies. He commended CONIWAS for its role in raising public awareness and shaping policies, emphasizing that collective action is essential for sustainable sanitation improvements.

As part of efforts to promote community participation, Hon. Ibrahim announced that the next National Sanitation Day will be observed on the first Saturday of April, with activities replicated across regional and district capitals. The initiative aims to encourage nationwide involvement in tackling sanitation challenges.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve sanitation standards across the country. With stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and local authorities, Ghana is expected to make significant strides toward achieving cleaner and healthier communities.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Ghana and Germany are deepening their partnership to strengthen decentralization and local governance, with a focus on improving service delivery and infrastructure development at the district level. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and a delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, led by Ms. Franziska Jebens, Head of Cooperation, on Monday, March 10, 2025.

The discussions centered on identifying priority areas where German support would be most beneficial and assessing Ghana’s progress in advancing decentralization. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the critical role of decentralization in national development and highlighted challenges such as the effective utilization of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

The Minister revealed that President John Dramani Mahama is leading efforts to consolidate development authorities under the Ministry to ensure more efficient governance. He announced that approximately 80% of the DACF would be allocated directly to districts to empower local authorities in addressing specific community needs.

 “If we are able to implement these plans effectively, Ghana will experience a significant transformation,” he stated.

Ms. Jebens, speaking on behalf of the German Ambassador, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s local governance initiatives.

 “We want to understand where our support is most needed and also identify areas where Ghana is already making significant progress on its own,” she noted.

She further expressed Germany’s dedication to collaborating with Ghana in improving basic infrastructure and service delivery through effective governance structures.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)