Ghana is taking bold steps to integrate traditional leadership into modern governance structures, drawing insights from Spain’s experiences. During a meeting between Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Ángel Losada, the two discussed ways to enhance local governance, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships.

Hon. Ibrahim emphasized Ghana’s commitment to strengthening local governance by ensuring traditional authorities play a more structured role in national development. He noted that Spain’s approach to managing historical and cultural institutions within governance frameworks could offer valuable lessons for Ghana.

Ambassador Losada reaffirmed Spain’s readiness to collaborate with Ghana in these areas, particularly in decentralization, tourism, and infrastructure. He highlighted Spain’s expertise in local economic development and expressed interest in supporting Ghana through technical assistance and capacity-building programs.

The two leaders also acknowledged the importance of cultural and economic ties in strengthening bilateral relations. Hon. Ibrahim stressed that cultural exchanges between Ghana and Spain could foster deeper understanding and enrich both nations’ heritage. He further noted that Ghana values religious tolerance and unity, areas where Spain’s experiences could provide useful guidance.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to exploring new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in governance, economic development, and cultural diplomacy. Hon. Ibrahim expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-Spain relations and the potential for meaningful cooperation in the years ahead.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/ Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Fourth Progress Meeting for the Improvement and Construction of six junctions under the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) was convened to review the current status of work, address challenges, and plan next steps for the ongoing project.

During the meeting, the progress made at the six selected junctions within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) was discussed. These include Mambo Junction in Ga Central, Otublohum Road/Obibini Street Intersection in Accra, Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street Intersection in Tema, Ashongman Road/Alafia Road Intersection in Ga East, Three Junction in Ga West, and Ogbojo New Market Intersection in Adentan and La Nkwantanang Madina.

At the time of the meeting, work at Mambo Junction in Ga Central was 65% complete, Otublohum Road/Obibini Street Intersection in Accra was 50.7% complete, Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street Intersection in Tema was 60% complete, Ashongman Road/Alafia Road Intersection in Ga East was 34.2% complete, Three Junction in Ga West was 49.93% complete, and Ogbojo New Market Intersection in Adentan and La Nkwantanang Madina was 44.3% complete. The meeting emphasized the steady progress of the project, with many of the junctions nearing the halfway mark.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Ministry of Finance, Department of Urban Roads (DUR), the supervising consultant DaovTech Design Group, the Metropolitan Assemblies, and contractors.

The attendees discussed the importance of adhering to quality standards and timelines to ensure the project's successful completion, particularly in improving urban mobility and addressing long-standing traffic congestion and safety issues within GAMA.

The next progress meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 16th April 2025, where further developments will be reviewed, and measures will be taken to keep the project on track.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The African Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) convened its 77^th Executive Committee (EC) meeting on the 19^th and 20^th of February 2025 in New Delhi, India. The meeting was presided over by Alhaji Amin Abdul-Rahaman, Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs of the Republic of Ghana, who also served as the President of the 20^th Executive Committee of AARDO.

The event saw participation from the 13 member countries who forms the 20^th Executive Committee, including Ghana, as the President, Malaysia, serving as Vice President for the Asian region, and Egypt, as Vice President for the African region and five other member countries each from Africa and Asia. Delegates engaged in the exchange of experiences and collaborated on strategies to enhance the benefits for member countries and outline the organisation's future direction.

Following the 77^th EC session, AARDO held its 21^st Conference, which was attended by all 35 member countries, including the newly admitted Kingdom of Eswatini. During this session, the Hon. Minister for Rural Development and Communication of the Republic of India was elected as the new President of AARDO for the triennium 2025-2027.

In accordance with AARDO's Constitution and Rules of Procedures, the outgoing President, Alhaji Amin Abdul-Rahaman, was appointed as the next Vice President for the African region and will serve on the 21^st Executive Committee. Additionally, the Minister for Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia was re-elected as Vice President for the Asian region. The other 10 members of the 21^st Executive Committee that were elected include Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Namibia and Republic of Zambia from Africa, and People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Republic of China (Taiwan), Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Palestine and Syrian Arab Republic from Asia. The newly elected 21^st Executive Committee held its first session on February 24, 2025, marking the 78^th Session of AARDO's Executive Committee.

AARDO continues to strengthen diplomatic relations among its members through its regular executive meetings.