The Government of Ghana, through the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), has officially launched a transformative policy action research programme aimed at boosting youth entrepreneurship and local economic development. The programme, known as Youth Economic Inclusion through the Next Generation Local Economic Development (NGLED), was inaugurated in Accra on Monday, June 23, 2025, as part of the government's broader efforts to tackle youth unemployment and foster sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level.

At the launch event, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, who spoke on behalf of Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the sector minister, highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of Ghana’s youthful population, which comprises over 75% of the population under 35 years. "This is not just a statistic, it is a call to action," she said, urging a fundamental shift in governance, planning, and investment to ensure a brighter future for the country’s youth.

Hon. Sowah emphasized that the NGLED initiative, led by ILGS and supported by the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, seeks to position Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as key drivers of job creation. The programme, which has already facilitated the establishment of youth-led business cooperatives in poultry farming, fish farming, and livestock rearing in various districts such as Atiwa East, Awutu Senya East, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Elmina, offers startup capital ranging from GHS 60,000 to GHS 75,000 per group. In addition, participants will benefit from mentorship, training, and access to markets, creating an all-encompassing approach to supporting sustainable youth entrepreneurship.

"The NGLED initiative is not just another youth programme; it is a holistic model for local economic transformation," said Hon. Sowah. "We are investing in the future of Ghana’s youth, empowering them to create long-lasting businesses that will contribute to economic growth."

The NGLED programme is an integral part of the government's 2024-2029 Local Economic Development (LED) Policy, which provides a strategic framework for enhancing the capacity of MMDAs to drive local economic growth. It also aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Adwumawura Programme and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, both of which aim to create 10,000 youth-led businesses annually and establish a microcredit institution with a seed fund of GHS 750 million.

In his welcome address, Professor Nicholas Awortwe, Director of ILGS, spoke about the programme’s goal of increasing youth participation in economic activities and decision-making processes within local governance structures. He stressed that the NGLED initiative is supported by the Netherlands Embassy and the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform and forms part of a broader local government forum aimed at addressing key local governance and economic development challenges.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, in his speech delivered by Hon. Sowah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to embedding Local Economic Development strategies into the Medium-Term Development Plans of all MMDAs. He also called for enhanced collaboration with traditional authorities to unlock land for small and medium-scale industries, which are essential for strengthening the local economy.

"It is time for MMDAs to embrace their role as economic enablers," said Hon. Ibrahim. "The youth are not just the future, they are the present. We must provide them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed."

The launch of NGLED was met with enthusiasm by youth entrepreneurs, who expressed their excitement about the opportunities the programme provides. Many youth-led businesses that have benefited from the initiative spoke about the positive impact it has already had on their operations and expressed hope for a sustainable future in business.

As the government moves forward with the NGLED programme, the goal is clear: to transform local economies, create thousands of jobs, and empower young people to become leaders in their communities. With this comprehensive initiative, the government is providing youth entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, capital, and support to succeed in the ever-changing global economy.

The launch of this policy action research programme signals a bright future for Ghana’s youth, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in youth-led businesses and the sustainable development of the local economy.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)

President John Dramani Mahama has opened the 2025 Orientation and Training Programme for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) with a firm call to duty, charging the new local leaders to embrace integrity, accountability and citizen-centred development as the compass of their tenure.

Addressing the gathering at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra June 18, 2025, President Mahama described the local governance space as the place where government takes human form and public trust is either built or broken. He urged the new MMDCEs to see themselves not as lords over their districts, but as stewards of the people’s aspirations. “Power must never breed pride,” he cautioned. “Let service not status define your tenure.”

The President anchored his message on ethical leadership, placing integrity at the core of the Reset Agenda being championed by his administration. He reminded the MMDCEs that ethical lapses at the local level are more visible and more damaging, as they directly affect the daily lives of citizens. He emphasized that political office must be a platform for service, not an opportunity for entitlement.

In affirming the government's commitment to transparency, President Mahama announced that all MMDCEs must submit their constitutionally mandated asset declarations by July 15, 2025. Describing it as the first test of trust, he explained that this act of accountability is not a bureaucratic exercise but a moral commitment to public integrity. “Declare your assets not because you are compelled, but because you believe in clean leadership,” he charged.

Sanitation also took center stage in the President’s address. He declared that each MMDCE will be personally held accountable for the sanitation situation in their district, stating that a clean environment must be the visible signature of every leader’s tenure. He announced that a dedicated portion of the District Assemblies Common Fund has been earmarked specifically for sanitation initiatives, and revealed plans to introduce a district performance league table to monitor and publish sanitation outcomes across the country. According to him, procurement processes must be transparent and competitive, with sustainable waste management strategies tailored to the needs of each district.

The President further signalled a major policy shift that could redefine Ghana’s local governance architecture. He hinted that Ghana may begin electing MMDCEs from 2026, making this likely the last group to be appointed by the President. This announcement aligns with widespread public demand for more democratic accountability at the local level. He noted that a national committee is currently reviewing proposals to operationalise this change and that recommendations are expected in the coming months.

He urged the MMDCEs to begin cultivating inclusive and participatory leadership styles in anticipation of this reform, emphasising that local democracy requires open governance, community engagement and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

President Mahama concluded his address with a call for proactive development planning rooted in local realities. He encouraged the MMDCEs to actively engage traditional authorities, religious leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations and civil society actors to design and deliver policies that are relevant and impactful. “Do not govern from your office,” he said. “Walk the streets. Listen to the people. Let your plans reflect their voice.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sectoral decentralisation, noting that responsibilities and resources in key areas such as health, education, roads and sanitation will increasingly be transferred to district assemblies. With this shift, he said, comes greater responsibility to plan effectively and deliver measurable results.

The 2025 Orientation Programme, is expected to expose the new MMDCEs to critical knowledge areas including public financial management, code of ethics, decentralised service delivery, and stakeholder coordination.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

In a landmark visit that celebrates the power of tradition and the enduring strength of cultural diplomacy, Ghana has warmly welcomed His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini on a four-day official tour of the country.

The visit began on Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, with a courtesy call on the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, at the Jubilee House. The King’s visit, according to government officials, marks a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations, rooted not only in diplomacy but also in shared heritage and traditional governance systems.

Leading the King’s visit on behalf of the Government, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), accompanied His Majesty to the historic Manhyia Palace and the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi. The gesture, he noted, was symbolic, uniting two nations with strong monarchic traditions and cultural pride.

Speaking at the National House of Chiefs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting and modernizing the institution of Chieftaincy. He described the King’s visit as a milestone that would further enrich the long-standing cultural bonds between Ghana and Eswatini.

“Our Chieftaincy institution is a living symbol of our national identity and community values. It is enshrined in our Constitution and forms the backbone of local governance and customary law in our country,” the Minister said.

He highlighted Ghana’s recent efforts to strengthen the Chieftaincy sector, including the digitization of the National Register of Chiefs and the ongoing review of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), to improve traditional dispute resolution, accountability, and integration with Ghana’s decentralised governance framework.

He also acknowledged Eswatini’s enduring monarchy and strong cultural systems, commending the country for holding firmly to its traditions while navigating the demands of the modern era.

“We believe there is much our two countries can learn from one another,” he stated. “From the way we manage land, settle disputes, to how we uphold the dignity of our customs, we are united by the values of respect, continuity, and leadership.”

The event at the National House of Chiefs brought together traditional rulers from across Ghana, Ministers of State, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests. It served as a platform for mutual learning, cultural exchange, and deeper dialogue between the two countries’ traditional institutions.

King Mswati III, who is well known for his strong leadership in preserving the monarchy and cultural identity of Eswatini, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and lauded Ghana’s efforts in sustaining its chieftaincy traditions within a democratic framework.

The four-day visit is expected to pave the way for more collaborative exchanges between the two countries, particularly in the areas of cultural heritage preservation, traditional governance, and national development.

As Ghana and Eswatini reaffirm their historical bonds, this visit is being hailed as a celebration of Africa’s proud legacy of kingship and a call to preserve its wisdom in an ever-changing world.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Chantal Aidoo

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)