A committee established to oversee the seamless integration of the erstwhile Ministries of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Sanitation and Water Resources into the newly constituted Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has commenced work following its maiden meeting.

The committee was constituted in line with the government’s broader strategy to enhance public service delivery and reduce operational costs through ministerial realignment, as outlined in Executive Instrument (EI) dated January 9, 2025. His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, in exercising his constitutional mandate under section 11(3) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327), sanctioned the merger to ensure a more streamlined, focused, and results-driven governance structure.

During its maiden meeting, the committee deliberated on its key terms of reference, which include reviewing the organisational and operational manuals of the defunct ministries in collaboration with the Management Services Division (MSD) of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service. This is to facilitate the effective integration of functions and responsibilities into the new ministry.

Additionally, the committee is tasked with undertaking a staff rationalisation exercise to ensure optimal human resource allocation and efficiency within the restructured entity. A sub-committee will also be overseeing the consolidation and harmonisation of the Client Service Charters to reflect the ministry’s expanded mandate.

Speaking at the meeting, the committee chair underscored the importance of a meticulous and well-coordinated realignment process to maintain institutional effectiveness and enhance service delivery. He emphasized that the committee’s work would be guided by transparency, efficiency, and a commitment to strengthening governance structures for improved citizen engagement and national development.

The committee is expected to work within a structured timeline to ensure a smooth transition and operational synergy within the new ministry.

With this realignment, the government aims to achieve greater efficiency, reduce bureaucratic redundancies, and strengthen decentralised governance for national development.

Source: Matilda Tettey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The final day of the Regional Forum on Social Cohesion in Cotonou, Benin, concluded with a high-level panel discussion focusing on strategies to strengthen social cohesion, define joint actions, and chart a sustainable path forward for the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO).

Sitting on the panel, Ghana’s Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, emphasized the need for a structured and decentralized approach to project implementation. He highlighted that Ghana’s SOCO model integrates all levels of governance, from central government down to local authorities, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and long-term impact.

He also underscored the importance of capacity building for all actors involved in project execution, stating that equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge is key to achieving effectiveness at every stage of implementation.

Mr. Abdul-Rahaman further stressed the critical role of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems in project sustainability. He noted that without a strong M&E framework, tracking progress, identifying gaps, and making necessary adjustments would be difficult, potentially weakening the project’s overall effectiveness.

On regional cooperation, he pointed out that border communities across the four implementing countries face similar challenges—ranging from economic vulnerabilities to security threats—and called for joint strategies and shared solutions to address these common issues. He highlighted that forums like this are essential for knowledge and experience sharing, enabling countries to learn from one another and develop best practices that enhance the overall success of SOCO.

The forum ended with a synthesis of discussions, formulation of key recommendations, and a defined roadmap for the next steps, reinforcing the commitment of Ghana, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo to sustaining the impact of the SOCO Project through enhanced collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strong governance frameworks.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

A major Regional Forum on Social Cohesion has brought together key stakeholders from Ghana, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo in Cotonou, Benin from the 5^th -6^th January, 2024, to deepen collaboration on local governance, conflict prevention, and economic resilience in the northern regions of the Gulf of Guinea. The forum, which followed the Committee on Regional Coordination (CRC) meeting, served as a knowledge-sharing platform where participating countries presented insights, discussed challenges, and explored solutions to strengthen social stability across the subregion.

Ghana, led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, played a key role in the discussions, presenting the country’s approach to local governance as a tool for social cohesion. Ghana’s delegation highlighted the importance of decentralized governance structures, inclusive development, and community engagement in addressing the vulnerabilities that contribute to social unrest and violent extremism.

During the country presentations, Ghana shared key insights on its governance model, emphasizing the role of district assemblies and local authorities in fostering peace and economic empowerment. The presentation showcased Ghana’s initiatives in youth employment, skills training, and the use of digital platforms like the Local Development Portal to improve governance transparency and citizen participation. Delegates from other countries engaged in discussions on how these strategies could be adapted to their national contexts.

The forum also provided an opportunity for Ghana to exchange ideas on community-led approaches to development, a critical component in preventing radicalization and strengthening grassroots resilience. The discussions underscored the need for regional coordination, policy alignment, and the scaling up of successful interventions across the four countries.

Participants explored strategies for sustaining these efforts beyond the SOCO Project’s initial implementation. Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to securing additional resources and working with regional partners to expand the reach of social cohesion initiatives.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)