Ghana and Germany are deepening their partnership to strengthen decentralization and local governance, with a focus on improving service delivery and infrastructure development at the district level. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and a delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, led by Ms. Franziska Jebens, Head of Cooperation, on Monday, March 10, 2025.
The discussions centered on identifying priority areas where German support would be most beneficial and assessing Ghana’s progress in advancing decentralization. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the critical role of decentralization in national development and highlighted challenges such as the effective utilization of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
The Minister revealed that President John Dramani Mahama is leading efforts to consolidate development authorities under the Ministry to ensure more efficient governance. He announced that approximately 80% of the DACF would be allocated directly to districts to empower local authorities in addressing specific community needs.
“If we are able to implement these plans effectively, Ghana will experience a significant transformation,” he stated.
Ms. Jebens, speaking on behalf of the German Ambassador, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s local governance initiatives.
“We want to understand where our support is most needed and also identify areas where Ghana is already making significant progress on its own,” she noted.
She further expressed Germany’s dedication to collaborating with Ghana in improving basic infrastructure and service delivery through effective governance structures.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)