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)

President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah as Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, along with 12 other deputy ministers and one Minister of State, at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House.

Addressing the newly appointed officials, President Mahama emphasized accountability, hard work, and dedication, urging them to support their respective ministries effectively. He reminded them that they would be held to the same performance standards as their substantive ministers and called on them to serve with integrity and a focus on improving governance.

Hon. Sowah, who serves as Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, brings a wealth of experience in local governance and community development to her new role. Prior to her election to Parliament, she served as Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly from 2013 to 2017, where she worked on urban development and local government initiatives. In Parliament, she is also an active member of the Youth, Sports and Culture Committee and the Gender and Children Committee, contributing to policy discussions on social development and inclusivity.

Her appointment is expected to strengthen efforts in decentralization, governance reforms, and collaboration with traditional and religious institutions to enhance community development.

As Deputy Minister, she will work closely with the substantive Minister to implement policies aimed at improving local administration and ensuring efficient public service delivery across the country.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

On March 12, 2025, Honorable Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, appeared on Okay FM's morning show "Ade Akye Abia," hosted by Kwame Nkrumah Tikese. The discussion centered on the recent budget reading, with a significant focus on the remuneration of Assembly Members.​

During the interview, Minister Ibrahim announced that under the new NDC government, Assembly Members would start receiving salaries. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader "bottom-up approach" aimed at strengthening local governance and ensuring that grassroots leaders are adequately compensated for their contributions to community development.​

The Minister elaborated on the government's commitment to enhancing the welfare of local government officials, stating that the budget has allocated funds specifically for this purpose. He highlighted that recognizing the efforts of Assembly Members through proper remuneration is essential for effective local governance and the overall development of communities.​

The initiative is expected to motivate Assembly Members, leading to more dedicated service and better implementation of community projects.​

This development underscores the government's dedication to reinforcing the foundations of local governance and ensuring that those who serve at the grassroots level are valued and supported.​

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)