Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has assured Ghanaians that the newly launched Local Economic Development (LED) Policy and Implementation Plan (2024-2029) will create thousands of jobs and empower communities across the country.

Speaking at the launch at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the policy marks a turning point in Ghana’s economic development, laying the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable local economies.

“The LED Policy is a roadmap for empowering our local economies by utilizing the resources we have in every corner of the country. We will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, provide decent employment opportunities, and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Hon. Korsah.

The policy aims to strengthen the role of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as engines of growth. It is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all, and with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Key actions under the LED Policy include enhancing local entrepreneurship and SME growth by providing technical and financial support, boosting agricultural productivity, and modernizing industrial zones.

It will also engender Job creation initiatives aimed at generating employment through key projects such as the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) and the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, which have already created tens of thousands of jobs through infrastructure and livelihood support programmes​

The policy and its implementation will empower local communities with skills training, access to financial services, and support for micro-enterprises, ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable groups benefit directly from economic opportunities as well as bring about Infrastructure development, including upgrading urban markets and establishing local economic hubs to stimulate private investment.

The Ministry also unveiled the revised LED Practitioners’ Manual, a comprehensive guide for MMDAs to effectively implement LED initiatives, ensuring accountability and measurable impact.

“This policy is not just a document, it’s a call to action. We are determined to reduce poverty, improve incomes, and create jobs that will transform the lives of Ghanaians,” Hon. Korsah emphasized, urging MMDAs and all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for meaningful change​.

With the implementation of the LED Policy, Ghana is set to witness a new wave of local economic empowerment, increased employment, and the rise of resilient, self-sustaining communities across the nation.

The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has welcomed a delegation from the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The courtesy call aimed to reinforce the existing partnership between the Ministry and BIRD-KNUST, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing rural development initiatives across the country.

The BIRD-KNUST delegation, led by a senior director and the Provost of the university, expressed their eagerness to deepen collaboration, particularly in capacity building and policy implementation. Highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions, the director stated, "We are here not only to introduce ourselves but also to underscore key aspects of the MOU, beyond this policy briefing. It is reassuring to know that the Ministry is fully committed to strengthening this partnership."

One of the critical issues raised during the meeting was the need for tailored short courses aimed at building the capacity of Ministry staff. The director emphasized the potential benefits of such initiatives, noting that "engaging with the Ministry to develop customized short courses will greatly contribute to the professional growth of its staff."

The Provost, who has been a longstanding advocate for rural development, reiterated the importance of implementing the MOU's key deliverables. He highlighted the annual State of Rural Development report, a crucial tool for assessing the progress of rural development in Ghana. "As Provost, I have closely followed the development of rural areas, and I strongly believe that the State of the Rural Economy report is vital. It serves as a measurable indicator for evaluating the Ministry's impact on rural development," he stated. He urged the Ministry to expedite the implementation of this initiative, expressing BIRD-KNUST's readiness to contribute to its success.

The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, in a response, assured the delegation of the Ministry's commitment to fostering collaboration. "I am ready to collaborate with you to deepen our partnership and ensure mutual development," the Minister affirmed.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has convened a meeting of an inter-sectoral Technical Committee on Rural Development. The meeting, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Bureau of Integrated Rural Development-Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (BIRD-KNUST), various ministries, and other governmental agencies, to deliberate on the National Rural Development Policy.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Amin Abdul Rahaman, in his opening remarks, emphasized the critical role of rural communities in the nation’s growth agenda. He underscored the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges these communities face, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and limited access to basic services to economic vulnerabilities and environmental concerns.

"This meeting marks a pivotal moment as we seek to lay the foundation for a more integrated and sustainable approach to rural development," Mr. Abdul Rahaman stated. He highlighted the significance of the situational analysis report prepared by BIRD-KNUST, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of rural development across the country. The report is expected to serve as a cornerstone for strategic interventions aimed at transforming rural communities.

Key policy ideas discussed during the meeting included the necessity of enhancing internet connectivity in rural areas, incentivizing companies to invest in these regions, and creating more rural job opportunities. The committee also explored the potential role of cooperatives in rural development and stressed the need for attitudinal change, social accountability, and robust inter-sectoral partnerships.

Mr. Abdul Rahaman further outlined the steps taken by the Ministry towards the policy review. These include signing an MOU with BIRD-KNUST, developing a concept note and roadmap, establishing terms of reference, and forming the inter-sectoral technical committee. The submission of the situational analysis report by BIRD-KNUST and the ongoing review by the committee mark critical milestones in the policy review process.

The Chief Director called for active participation and collaboration among all sectors represented, stressing that the success of the rural development agenda hinges on leveraging the collective strengths and expertise of the committee members.

As the meeting concluded, participants were encouraged to contribute actionable recommendations that will shape the future of rural development initiatives in Ghana. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to significantly influence the revision of the National Rural Development Policy, paving the way for more effective and sustainable growth in rural communities across the nation.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)