Discussions on strengthening sanitation efforts in Ghana took center stage during a courtesy call by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) on the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. The meeting, held on Monday, March 10, 2025, focused on collaboration, enforcement of sanitation regulations, and strategies to promote cleaner communities nationwide.

Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Basilia Nanbigne, underscored the urgent need for stronger enforcement of sanitation policies, particularly in urban areas where improper waste disposal remains a major challenge. She stressed that sanitation is not just a public health issue but a key factor in national development, calling on the Ministry to intensify efforts at the district level to ensure compliance with sanitation laws.

Welcoming the Coalition’s contributions, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, assured them of the Ministry’s commitment to integrating their expertise into national strategies. He commended CONIWAS for its role in raising public awareness and shaping policies, emphasizing that collective action is essential for sustainable sanitation improvements.

As part of efforts to promote community participation, Hon. Ibrahim announced that the next National Sanitation Day will be observed on the first Saturday of April, with activities replicated across regional and district capitals. The initiative aims to encourage nationwide involvement in tackling sanitation challenges.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve sanitation standards across the country. With stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and local authorities, Ghana is expected to make significant strides toward achieving cleaner and healthier communities.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

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)

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has pledged the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of Chieftaincy Judicial Committees to ensure efficient dispute resolution within the traditional leadership system.

Addressing the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he acknowledged the critical role these committees play in adjudicating succession conflicts, destoolments, and land disputes. He noted that inadequate resources and the reluctance of legal professionals to serve on the committees have hindered their effectiveness, promising targeted interventions to address these challenges.

Hon. Ibrahim disclosed that the government will introduce training programs for non-lawyer members of the committees to enhance their adjudication skills. Additionally, he assured that a review of the existing legislative framework, including outdated legal instruments governing the chieftaincy sector, will be undertaken in collaboration with the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.

To attract and retain competent legal professionals, the Minister stated that the government would engage the Attorney General’s Office to explore ways of improving the conditions of service for lawyers assisting the committees. He stressed that well-resourced and motivated Judicial Committees would contribute to reducing chieftaincy disputes and strengthening the institution.

He assured the traditional leaders that the government values their role in governance and will continue to implement policies that will enhance the credibility and efficiency of the chieftaincy system.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)