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)

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has pledged the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of Chieftaincy Judicial Committees to ensure efficient dispute resolution within the traditional leadership system.

Addressing the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he acknowledged the critical role these committees play in adjudicating succession conflicts, destoolments, and land disputes. He noted that inadequate resources and the reluctance of legal professionals to serve on the committees have hindered their effectiveness, promising targeted interventions to address these challenges.

Hon. Ibrahim disclosed that the government will introduce training programs for non-lawyer members of the committees to enhance their adjudication skills. Additionally, he assured that a review of the existing legislative framework, including outdated legal instruments governing the chieftaincy sector, will be undertaken in collaboration with the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.

To attract and retain competent legal professionals, the Minister stated that the government would engage the Attorney General’s Office to explore ways of improving the conditions of service for lawyers assisting the committees. He stressed that well-resourced and motivated Judicial Committees would contribute to reducing chieftaincy disputes and strengthening the institution.

He assured the traditional leaders that the government values their role in governance and will continue to implement policies that will enhance the credibility and efficiency of the chieftaincy system.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on traditional leaders to take an active role in the fight against illegal mining. Speaking at a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he emphasized the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and water bodies, stressing that chiefs must use their influence to curb the menace.

Hon. Ibrahim announced the government’s plan to amend the Chieftaincy Act to restore the power of chiefs to summon individuals engaged in illegal mining and other harmful activities.

He noted that a Supreme Court’s ruling had limited this authority, but the amendment would empower chiefs to enforce accountability within their jurisdictions.

He further assured the chiefs of government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders to develop sustainable solutions to illegal mining. According to him, protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility, and chiefs, as custodians of the land, have a crucial role to play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The Minister also encouraged chiefs to collaborate with local assemblies to strengthen enforcement measures. He stressed that without their full involvement, the fight against illegal mining would remain incomplete, urging them to take a firm stand against the practice.

Hon. Ibrahim reechoed the government’s unwavering support for the chieftaincy institution, assuring traditional leaders that their contributions in the fight against illegal mining would be met with concrete action and policy backing.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)