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.

The lack of clear and defined internal boundaries is at the heart of ongoing disputes involving traditional, district, regional, and constituency boundaries across Ghana.

According to the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, these boundary disputes stem from the establishment of constituencies and boundaries without giving adequate consideration to the capacity of critical institutions like the Statistical Service, the Electoral Commission, and the Lands Commission to properly delineate and manage these areas.

Hon. Ibrahim explained that this oversight could lead to difficulties in accurately defining boundaries, ensuring proper representation, and managing resources, all of which contribute to the rise in disputes. He stressed the need for a focused approach to resolving these issues and improving boundary management in the country.

The Minister made these comments during a courtesy call by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GBC) to the Ministry in Accra, where they discussed matters of national importance and also extended congratulations to Mr. Ibrahim on his appointment.

Highlighting the challenges of relying on external funding from bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Ibrahim questioned why Ghana should depend on outside sources to finance the protection and management of its boundaries. "It is time for us to reassess these arrangements and look for sustainable, internal solutions to manage our boundaries effectively," he remarked. He added that the Ministry would work to provide the necessary facilities to improve boundary management within the country.

The Minister also noted the importance of fostering local economic activities along these boundaries, an issue that requires immediate attention. He urged the Committee on Local Governments and the Independent Constitutional Body Committee to ensure that boundary management is integrated into the formula for the District Assemblies Common Fund.

Major General Emmanuel Kotia, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, addressed the challenge of displaced boundary pillars due to natural factors like erosion. He emphasized the need for reaffirming international boundaries, which would include sensitization, agreement on the coordinates of boundary pillars with neighboring countries, and the construction of new pillars, including main, intermediate, and border crossing markers.

General Kotia also pointed out that many districts facing boundary disputes are located along international borders. To address this, he called for enhanced collaboration, where affected districts engage the GBC to help resolve boundary challenges. He emphasized that such collaboration is key to supporting local economic development, particularly in areas with agricultural needs.

“This collaboration will not only help improve livelihoods but also address perceptions of deprivation, contributing to sustainable economic growth and bettering the overall well-being of these districts,” he concluded.

He also took the opportunity to appeal to the Ministry to create opportunities for the Commission to build the capacities of District Chief Executive Officers (DCEs), Religious Bodies, Traditional Authorities and other organized bodies and stakeholders in their role and connections with the Ghana Boundary Commission on its activities and interventions.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

As part of efforts to support Muslim communities during the sacred month of Ramadan, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has made a significant donation to the Shia Muslim Community. The donation, which included 20 bags of rice, 20 bags of sugar, and an undisclosed amount of money, was presented to assist in their Ramadan activities, ensuring that worshippers, especially the less privileged, can observe the fast without difficulties.

The Supreme Leader of the Shia Muslim Community graciously received the items on behalf of the group, expressing deep appreciation for the minister’s generosity. He noted that such acts of kindness strengthen the bond between government and religious groups, reinforcing the principles of compassion, togetherness, and support that Ramadan embodies.

During the presentation, Minister Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s recognition of the diverse religious landscape in Ghana, stating that every faith-based community plays a critical role in national development. He emphasized that the donation was not just a symbolic gesture but a demonstration of the government’s commitment to engaging and supporting all religious groups equitably.

In a brief engagement with the leadership of the Shia Muslim Community, discussions centered on the challenges facing the community, including the need for greater representation in national dialogues on religious affairs. The minister assured them of the government's openness to fostering inclusivity and creating more opportunities for interfaith dialogue.

The Shia Muslim leadership commended the minister for his engagement and support, pledging to continue praying for peace, stability, and the prosperity of the nation. They also highlighted their ongoing charitable efforts within their community, stressing that Ramadan is a time for giving and sharing blessings with those in need.

This donation forms part of a broader initiative by the ministry to reach out to various Muslim groups, ensuring that the spirit of unity and support remains strong during Ramadan and beyond.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)