Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has assured Ghanaians that the newly launched Local Economic Development (LED) Policy and Implementation Plan (2024-2029) will create thousands of jobs and empower communities across the country.
Speaking at the launch at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the policy marks a turning point in Ghana’s economic development, laying the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable local economies.
“The LED Policy is a roadmap for empowering our local economies by utilizing the resources we have in every corner of the country. We will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, provide decent employment opportunities, and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Hon. Korsah.
The policy aims to strengthen the role of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as engines of growth. It is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all, and with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Key actions under the LED Policy include enhancing local entrepreneurship and SME growth by providing technical and financial support, boosting agricultural productivity, and modernizing industrial zones.
It will also engender Job creation initiatives aimed at generating employment through key projects such as the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) and the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, which have already created tens of thousands of jobs through infrastructure and livelihood support programmes
The policy and its implementation will empower local communities with skills training, access to financial services, and support for micro-enterprises, ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable groups benefit directly from economic opportunities as well as bring about Infrastructure development, including upgrading urban markets and establishing local economic hubs to stimulate private investment.
The Ministry also unveiled the revised LED Practitioners’ Manual, a comprehensive guide for MMDAs to effectively implement LED initiatives, ensuring accountability and measurable impact.
“This policy is not just a document, it’s a call to action. We are determined to reduce poverty, improve incomes, and create jobs that will transform the lives of Ghanaians,” Hon. Korsah emphasized, urging MMDAs and all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for meaningful change.
With the implementation of the LED Policy, Ghana is set to witness a new wave of local economic empowerment, increased employment, and the rise of resilient, self-sustaining communities across the nation.