Vice President Commends Local Government Ministry for Advancing Decentralisation Agenda

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has commended the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for its pivotal role in advancing the Government’s decentralisation agenda and strengthening grassroots governance across the country.

During a working visit to the Ministry, the Vice President engaged with the leadership and staff to assess progress made in promoting responsive governance and effective service delivery. She was briefed by the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on key milestones achieved since he assumed office.

Among the notable accomplishments highlighted was the successful orientation of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), alongside the issuance of clear guidelines to ensure the prudent and effective use of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). The Minister also underscored the importance of the National Decentralisation Dialogue, describing it as a critical platform that has brought together stakeholders to help shape the next phase of Ghana’s decentralisation journey.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim further emphasized the Ministry’s renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities. He noted a significant increase in engagements with chiefs and queen mothers and announced a landmark decision to increase allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers by about 300 percent, a move aimed at reaffirming the essential role of traditional leadership in promoting unity, development and local governance.

On sanitation, the Minister announced the launch of National Sanitation Day work plans as part of preparations towards the rollout of a 24-hour sanitation programme. The initiative is expected to significantly improve public hygiene and sanitation nationwide. He added that growing stability and clear policy direction under the current administration have renewed confidence among investors and development partners.

In her remarks, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang described the Ministry as being “at the heart of government,” particularly at a time when efforts are underway to reset the decentralisation agenda and strengthen state institutions. She stressed that social governance is fundamental to sustaining peace and that decentralisation must be leveraged to improve the daily lives of Ghanaians.

The Vice President also praised the Ministry for its efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds, especially DACF disbursements, to guarantee that resources are used for their intended purposes and deliver real benefits to communities.

She noted that the visit was not only to encourage the Ministry but also to listen, offer support and reinforce a shared commitment to achieving better outcomes for citizens. She concluded by reiterating that governance is a collective responsibility, urging continued respect and collaboration among all stakeholders at every level to drive national development.