Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development clinched an award at the recently held Government Public Relations Excellence Awards (GoPREX) 2023, a highly acclaimed event organized by the Information Services Department and the Ministry of Information.

The Ministry's Public Relations Unit, recognized for its outstanding performance, secured an award in a category highlighting its exemplary execution of duties based on both assessment and limited voting.

One of the highlights of the evening was the well-deserved recognition bestowed upon Ms. Darling Maame Efua Cann, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, who was crowned the " PROs Assistant PR Officer of the Year 2023." This award acknowledges Ms. Cann's and the entire PR Unit exceptional contributions to the field, underscoring dedication, professionalism, and significant impact on the Ministry's communication strategies.

The GoPREX Awards, designed to celebrate and honor excellence in Government Public Relations, aims to shine a spotlight on individuals and PR Units across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of State. It also extends its accolades to influential personalities whose work and support significantly contribute to the enhancement of Government PR practices.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development's success at GoPREX 2023 is a testament to its unwavering commitment to transparency, effective communication, and community engagement.

The award-winning Public Relations Unit under the Leadership of Madam Matilda Tettey has played a pivotal role in fostering positive relationships between the government and the public, furthering the goals of decentralization and rural development.

In a remark made on behalf of the PR Unit, Miss Cann expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of effective public relations in enhancing government-citizen relations. The Ministry sees this achievement as a motivation to continue delivering exceptional services to the public and to further strengthen its commitment to open communication and accountability.

The GoPREX Awards have not only acknowledged the Ministry's achievements but have also highlighted the crucial role of public relations in shaping positive narratives and fostering transparent governance.

The Ministry therefore remains steadfast in its dedication to promoting decentralized governance and rural development, with its award-winning Public Relations Unit leading the way in setting new standards for government communication and transparency.

As part of efforts towards bolstering the nation's tourism sector, Mr. Akwasi Agyemang, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, held a meeting with Mr. OB Amoah, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), on December 13, 2022. The focus of the meeting was the proposal for the redevelopment of the iconic Aburi Botanical Gardens situated in the Eastern Region.

The rejuvenation initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2020 between the Ministry and the Department of Parks and Gardens, with the primary objective of revitalizing the Aburi Botanical Gardens. During the meeting, Mr. Agyemang revealed that the Ghana Tourism Authority had received requests from private entities expressing interest in partnering with the Authority under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework to ensure the successful execution of the project.

Recognizing the potential for increased tourism revenue for the country, the CEO emphasized the need for collaboration and consultation with the Ministry to align the project with the best practices for rehabilitation and revenue generation.

Mr. OB Amoah, in response, stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines set by the Public Private Partnership acts to mitigate potential challenges during the project's execution. He urged the Ghana Tourism Authority to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure at the Aburi Botanical Gardens before engaging further with private entities.

Acknowledging the project's positive impact, Mr. OB Amoah expressed his confidence that this endeavor marks the beginning of greater things for the country. He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the redevelopment project aligns seamlessly with established regulations.

Mr. Agyemang expressed gratitude for the Minister's valuable feedback and assured him that the Ghana Tourism Authority would return with a comprehensive report to present to the Ministry. This collaborative effort reflects the government's commitment to harnessing the full potential of its natural and cultural assets for the benefit of the nation's tourism industry.

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, headed by the Honourable Minister, Daniel Botwe, engaged in a substantive discussion with the Electoral Commission (EC) concerning the forthcoming 2023 District Level Elections (DLE).

The delegation, comprising Mr. Botwe and other officials, convened with the Electoral Commissioner, Madam Jean Adukwei Mensah, and her Deputies, Messrs Samuel Tettey and Eric Asare Bossman.

During the meeting, Hon. Daniel Botwe articulated the Ministry's purpose, emphasizing the need to assess the EC's preparedness for conducting the electoral process. Specifically, the Ministry sought insights into the measures taken by the EC to generate voter interest and foster widespread participation, particularly among marginalized demographics.

In preceding efforts, the Ministry had previously engaged with the National Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association and select senior editors from prominent media outlets, seeking their endorsement and collaboration in support of the electoral process.

The Minister underscored the historically commendable voter turnout in rural areas, attributing it to the proactive engagement of aspiring Assembly Members in campaign activities. However, he noted a desire to achieve a target of at least 50% voter attendance and implored the EC to escalate its public awareness campaign, especially in urban localities.

Chairperson Madam Jean Adukwei Mensah assured the Ministry that the Commission was fully prepared for the scheduled polls on December 19. She highlighted the ongoing deployment of voting materials to various regions, emphasizing the Commission's commitment to a seamless electoral process.

Addressing security concerns, Madam Mensah conveyed that the EC was collaboratively working with security agencies to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the voting process.

Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Electoral Commissioner in charge of Operations, disclosed the adoption of a strategic approach to ensure accessibility to hard-to-reach areas, mitigating any logistical challenges.

The collaborative efforts between the Ministry and the Electoral Commission reflect a concerted commitment to fostering a transparent and inclusive electoral process for the upcoming District Level Elections.