The National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG) has called on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to engage in discussions centered on the role of education in the country’s development. A significant portion of the conversation focused on challenges within the Islamic education system that the NMCG believes needed urgent attention.

The delegation from the NMCG expressed concerns over bottlenecks and limitations facing Islamic schools, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to ensure equal access to quality education for all children, regardless of background. The group called on the Minister to lend support to initiatives aimed at enhancing Islamic education, including upgrading infrastructure, improving curricula, and providing better resources for Muslim schools across the country.

Hon. Ahmed acknowledged the concerns raised by the NMCG and affirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Muslim community to address these challenges. He underscored the government’s role in ensuring inclusive education and reiterated the significance of strengthening educational opportunities at the basic level. The Minister emphasized that improving education, particularly within Islamic institutions, would play a crucial role in tackling broader national issues such as child labor and the prevalence of "kayaye" (head porterage).

In his response, the Minister also highlighted the importance of fostering unity among the Muslim community, noting that a unified front would enable them to work more effectively with the government and contribute to shaping national policies. He welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the NMCG, assuring them that their concerns would be taken into consideration in the government's future educational initiatives.

The NMCG delegation expressed their desire for closer collaboration with the ministry, emphasizing that by working together, they could make significant strides toward improving education within the Muslim community and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/ Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

On 19th March 2025, officials from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) paid a courtesy call on Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), to discuss strengthening their collaboration for the effective execution of government policies. The meeting focused on ways to improve cooperation between the two institutions to ensure that resources from the central government are efficiently directed to local communities, promoting social and economic accountability for sustainable development.

During the meeting, Hon. Ibrahim emphasized the critical role of the NCCE in supporting democratic governance. He highlighted that public education is essential for the success of government programs, particularly those related to community development and infrastructure. However, he stressed that these initiatives must be adequately supported with resources to ensure their effectiveness.

The Minister also underlined the importance of clearly defining the roles of both institutions to ensure smooth and effective collaboration. By understanding where their responsibilities overlap and where they differ, the NCCE and MLGCRA can streamline their efforts and work together toward common goals.

Hon. Ibrahim further pointed out that ongoing communication and cooperation between the Ministry and the NCCE are vital for fostering transparency and building trust. Both parties agreed that public engagement, through well-coordinated public education efforts, is crucial for the success of government programs and for promoting accountability within the community.

Both institutions expressed their commitment to strengthening their partnership, with a focus on advancing public education and upholding the nation’s core cultural, moral, and religious values. With the right resources and continued collaboration, the NCCE and MLGCRA aim to create a more informed and engaged society, ensuring the successful implementation of government policies and contributing to long-term national progress.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/Melody Hini, Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

On March 19, 2025, a delegation from the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) paid a courtesy call on Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), to discuss ongoing environmental initiatives and future collaboration.

The KEITI delegation, led by Dr. Hong Seok Kim, Chief Representative of KEITI’s Ghana office, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. Since opening its office in Ghana in April 2024, KEITI has been working closely with various Ghanaian ministries, particularly with the erstwhile Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), to address critical environmental issues. Dr. Kim highlighted the importance of continued cooperation to tackle waste management challenges and foster sustainable development in Ghana.

The delegation shared details about the upcoming Korea-Africa Environmental Cooperation Forum, which will be held in June 2025. This forum will bring together 80 participants from six African countries and South Korea, creating an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on environmental matters. KEITI requested the Ministry’s support and participation in the event, which is expected to strengthen ties between Ghana and South Korea in the field of environmental sustainability.

Discussions also covered the progress of ongoing projects, including the feasibility studies for integrated solid waste management facilities in five coastal cities: Takoradi, Cape Coast, Accra, Tema, and Keta. These projects aim to develop sustainable waste management systems in Ghana’s urban centers.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim thanked the KEITI delegation for their ongoing partnership and emphasized the importance of the Pre-feasibility Study on Textile Waste Recycling, launched in November 2024. This study is addressing the growing concern of textile waste and will provide valuable insights into the potential for recycling in Ghana and across the African continent.

The Minister reiterated Ghana’s commitment to establishing a circular economy and becoming a leader in sustainable waste management in West Africa. He also announced plans for a regional workshop on waste management and circular economy practices, set to take place in Accra in August 2025.

Hon. Ibrahim assured the KEITI delegation that the Ministry is committed to furthering its cooperation with KEITI and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s waste management systems and environmental sustainability efforts. He expressed optimism that this partnership will continue to generate meaningful outcomes for both countries.