Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency and Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for his vetting on Tuesday. His session highlighted his depth of knowledge, strategic vision for local governance, and commitment to addressing critical challenges in decentralization and development.
During the vetting, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of fostering effective collaboration between Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). He stated, “The success of our local governance system hinges on strong partnerships between MPs and MMDCEs. Together, we can deliver development that meets the needs of our communities.”
The Minister-designate outlined his plans to enhance local economies by leveraging the unique resources of districts across the country. He expressed a commitment to creating jobs and improving livelihoods, saying, “Every district in Ghana has something unique to offer. We must identify and maximize these comparative advantages to drive sustainable development.”
Ibrahim also reflected on lessons from previous government programs, including the District Response Initiative Program (D.R.I.P.), which he acknowledged had faced challenges due to politicization. “While D.R.I.P. was a strong concept, its potential was undermined by partisanship. Moving forward, we must ensure that developmental programs are insulated from political biases to achieve their intended objectives,” he noted.
The vetting session provided insight into Ibrahim’s practical approach to governance and his vision for addressing systemic challenges in local government, chieftaincy, and religious affairs. His responses demonstrated a clear understanding of the ministry’s complex mandate and a commitment to fostering cohesion at all levels of government.
As Parliament deliberates on the recommendations from the Appointments Committee, Ahmed Ibrahim’s performance at the vetting has been described as a strong indication of his readiness to lead. If approved, he will assume a key role in advancing Ghana’s decentralization agenda, strengthening traditional authority structures, and promoting interfaith harmony.
SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)