The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized that decentralisation is the cornerstone of Ghana’s governance and development agenda. He reiterated that empowering local authorities with the necessary resources and autonomy is crucial for sustainable national progress.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Madam Simone Giger, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Mr. Ibrahim highlighted that decentralisation strengthens governance, promotes accountability, and enhances local development. He noted that while Ghana has made significant progress since the introduction of decentralisation reforms in the late 1980s, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges, particularly in resource allocation and institutional capacity building.
Madam Giger commended Ghana’s strides in decentralisation, noting that transferring power and decision-making authority from the central government to local governments and communities is essential for sustainable development. She underscored Switzerland’s longstanding support for Ghana’s decentralisation agenda and reaffirmed the Swiss government’s commitment to deepening technical and financial assistance in this area.
“If Ghana continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering local governments with greater autonomy and authority, we will be delighted to intensify our support,” she stated.
She also acknowledged the critical role of the Constitutional Review Committee in advancing governance reforms, expressing optimism that ongoing constitutional reviews would enhance local governance structures and improve collaboration between central and local authorities.
“Switzerland is excited to be part of this journey, and we are committed to supporting the Constitutional Review Committee’s work to ensure that decentralisation reforms yield the desired impact,” she added.
The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of transparency in managing decentralisation funds. She assured the Minister that the Swiss Embassy would continue to monitor the disbursement and utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to ensure that resources directly benefit municipalities and metropolises.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim lauded Switzerland’s contributions towards strengthening Ghana’s decentralisation process, stating that the government remains steadfast in addressing the challenges associated with local governance. He acknowledged that while Ghana has made significant progress, there is still room for improvement, particularly in financial resource allocation and institutional capacity building.
To reinforce Ghana’s commitment to local governance, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced that the government has pledged to allocate approximately 80 per cent of the DACF directly to district assemblies. This, he stated, would ensure a more effective and equitable distribution of resources to support local development initiatives.
“Clearly, if we are able to walk the talk, Ghana will be a different place altogether,” the Minister affirmed.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klustey
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)