The Government of Ghana (GoG) has outlined a series of strategic interventions aimed at strengthening local governance, chieftaincy, and religious affairs, as captured in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented to Parliament by Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on March 11, 2025.
As part of efforts to enhance academic and institutional capacity, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, through the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), has introduced eight new academic programs, including seven MSc and one BSc degree. Additionally, two 80-bed executive hostels, a conference center, and a laboratory have been completed at the Accra and Tamale campuses.
The Ministry will also roll out training and orientation programs for newly appointed Chief Executives and Assembly Members to strengthen local governance structures. Plans are underway to establish the Royal Academy of Chiefs and Traditional Authorities (RACTA) to build the capacity of chiefs, queen mothers, and judicial committees on contemporary governance and development. The government will also relay and promulgate the University of Local Governance and Development Bill, 2024, to secure a Presidential Charter for its establishment.
Under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, the Ministry will disburse GH¢315 million to six Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and 48 MMDAs for development projects. The initiative will see the completion of 618 social and economic infrastructure projects, 60 markets, and financial support for 1,500 producer groups comprising 45,000 individuals. Additionally, 96 youth engagement and social cohesion activities will be executed to promote stability in the affected regions.
In a move to empower assembly members, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to paying modest allowances to strengthen their capacity in monitoring development projects within their electoral areas. The Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) has already disbursed GH¢53.87 million as startup grants to 21,547 beneficiaries under its Productive Inclusion (PI) component, with another GH¢125.22 million paid as wages to 46,324 beneficiaries under the Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) program. In 2025, the initiative will expand to provide training and grants for 60,000 new beneficiaries, while 95,000 others will benefit from Small Earth Dams, Climate Mitigation Plantations, and Feeder Roads under GPSNP2.
The Greater Accra Resilience and Development (GARID) Project, focused on flood risk and solid waste management, has already disbursed GH¢8.25 million to 17 Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs). The Ministry will also implement community-based waste management projects and complete the construction of a Waste Transfer Station at GAEC, alongside condominial sewers and wastewater treatment facilities under the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihoods Improvement Project. Additionally, the National Sanitation Day will be reintroduced as part of efforts to improve public hygiene and environmental sustainability.
To support social protection and child welfare, the government has allocated GH₵5.12 million to Integrated Social Services (ISS) programs, covering social and child protection activities in 200 MMDAs, with an additional 20 MMDAs set to be enrolled in 2025. The Births and Deaths Registry also recorded 560,160 births and 49,589 deaths in 2024 and aims to register 693,852 births and 78,909 deaths in 2025 while building the capacity of regional registrars in statistical planning and strategy development.
The Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) will embark on 20 public sensitization campaigns, finalize the National Zoning Regulations and Planning Standards, and complete a manual for spatial plan preparation. In the chieftaincy sector, the Ministry will inaugurate 15 traditional councils, continue the construction of office complexes for the Houses of Chiefs in the six newly created regions, and train traditional authorities on judicial processes, adjudication, and gender-based issues. Additionally, the Ministry will continue conflict resolution efforts and organize a National Prayer Day.
Infrastructure development remains a priority, with the Ministry continuing ongoing projects under the Coastal, Middle, and Northern Belt Development Authorities, as well as the Zongo Development Fund, all under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP).
The budget reflects the government’s broad commitment to strengthening local governance, empowering assembly members, improving chieftaincy institutions, and fostering social cohesion through religious and cultural engagements. Stakeholders are optimistic but emphasize the need for efficient implementation and timely disbursement of funds to ensure real impact at the grassroots level.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)