As part of efforts to operationalise President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is leading the charge in rolling out the 24-Hour Economy Markets, a flagship intervention that seeks to deepen local economic development and decentralisation.

On Tuesday, the Ministry engaged four consulting firms in Accra to assess preliminary design proposals for the initiative. The meeting forms part of the preparatory process to select a final concept that reflects the needs of stakeholders and the diverse economic realities across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

In his remarks, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable development across all districts. He announced that resources for the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Markets would be channelled directly to the MMDAs to allow for ownership and context-driven execution.

However, he stressed that the Ministry would maintain a firm monitoring role to ensure standardisation, quality control, and transparency in the use of funds.

    “The 24-Hour Economy is a collective responsibility,” Hon. Ibrahim noted. “Let us shift our focus to the possibilities this policy unlocks, especially for local enterprises and make the most of this transformative opportunity.”

The initiative aligns with the broader decentralisation agenda of the Ministry, aiming to reduce urban migration and economic congestion in capital cities by creating thriving economic centres at the local level. The 24-Hour Economy Markets are expected to operate round-the-clock, offering opportunities for expanded trade, job creation, and inclusive growth.

A final design proposal will be selected in consultation with key sector actors, development partners, and local government stakeholders, setting the tone for a phased rollout of the markets across the country.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

(Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

In a beautiful display of unity, purpose, and the enduring spirit of public service, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) is proudly participating in the 4th Edition of the Inter-Ministerial Games, held as part of the 2025 Civil Service Week Celebrations.

The Games, which officially kicked off this June, bring together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in a vibrant celebration of fitness, fellowship, and healthy competition. More than just a sporting event, the Inter-Ministerial Games have become a cherished platform for promoting camaraderie, cross-sector collaboration, and the values that hold the civil service together in discipline, perseverance, and service with heart.

In the group stage opener, MLGCRA faced off against the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in a spirited contest that tested both strength and resolve. Though the result tilted in favour of the opposing side, the Ministry’s team held their heads high.

As the journey continues, attention now shifts to the next fixture on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, where our gallant team will take on the Ministry of Labour and Employment Relations. With renewed focus and an intensified training schedule, the team is gearing up not just to compete, but to conquer.

The Ministry calls on all staff to show their unyielding support to cheer from the sidelines, share in the vision, and carry the torch of team spirit. Whether on or off the field, our collective strength lies in our togetherness.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) held a strategic meeting to fast-track the implementation of the 2025 GoG–UNICEF WASH Programme. The programme will improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices for all persons.

Being spearheaded by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Directorate (EHSD) of MLGCRA, the meeting aimed to secure leadership support, clarify roles, and strengthen collaboration among EHSD, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Directorate, the Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS), the Department of Community Development (DoCD), and other key stakeholders.

Presentations covered programme objectives, thematic focus areas—such as social and behaviour change, market-based sanitation, sanitation technology, and financing—as well as cross-cutting issues like policy development and monitoring.

Key outcomes included a shared understanding of priorities, agreement on joint implementation arrangements, and clear action points to ensure timely delivery of sanitation targets by July 2025. The meeting reaffirmed MLGCRA’s commitment to accelerating progress toward improved sanitation and ending open defecation in Ghana.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)