The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has held a capacity-building workshop in Accra to equip staff from its Departments and Agencies with practical guidance on budget implementation procedures and fund utilisation.

The workshop, facilitated by MLGCRA in collaboration with technical teams from the Ministry of Finance, focused on strengthening staff understanding of the Budget Implementation Instructions, a critical component in ensuring that funds allocated for development purposes are fully accessed, properly applied, and effectively accounted for.

Addressing participants at the session, Chief Budget Analyst, Madam Freda Faah, underscored the importance of equipping staff with the right knowledge and tools to navigate Ghana’s public financial management framework. She noted that budget implementation is not merely a technical routine but a strategic process that determines whether developmental funds translate into real, measurable outcomes.

“Resources may be allocated, but without the proper capacity to access and implement, those funds risk being underutilised or returned to government coffers,” Madam Faah stated. “This engagement is meant to demystify the process, empower staff, and ensure that no opportunity for development is lost due to gaps in understanding or execution.”

Participants were taken through key aspects of the Budget Implementation Instructions, including fund disbursement procedures, compliance requirements, financial reporting timelines, and strategies for aligning expenditure with sector targets.

The workshop also forms part of the Ministry’s broader internal reform agenda to enhance operational efficiency, improve project delivery outcomes, and drive home the principle that accountable budgeting is central to local governance and service delivery.

By the end of the session, staff had gained clarity on their specific roles in the budget chain and committed to applying the lessons learned in the execution of their respective departmental mandates.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)

As part of efforts to operationalise President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is leading the charge in rolling out the 24-Hour Economy Markets, a flagship intervention that seeks to deepen local economic development and decentralisation.

On Tuesday, the Ministry engaged four consulting firms in Accra to assess preliminary design proposals for the initiative. The meeting forms part of the preparatory process to select a final concept that reflects the needs of stakeholders and the diverse economic realities across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

In his remarks, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable development across all districts. He announced that resources for the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Markets would be channelled directly to the MMDAs to allow for ownership and context-driven execution.

However, he stressed that the Ministry would maintain a firm monitoring role to ensure standardisation, quality control, and transparency in the use of funds.

    “The 24-Hour Economy is a collective responsibility,” Hon. Ibrahim noted. “Let us shift our focus to the possibilities this policy unlocks, especially for local enterprises and make the most of this transformative opportunity.”

The initiative aligns with the broader decentralisation agenda of the Ministry, aiming to reduce urban migration and economic congestion in capital cities by creating thriving economic centres at the local level. The 24-Hour Economy Markets are expected to operate round-the-clock, offering opportunities for expanded trade, job creation, and inclusive growth.

A final design proposal will be selected in consultation with key sector actors, development partners, and local government stakeholders, setting the tone for a phased rollout of the markets across the country.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

(Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

In a beautiful display of unity, purpose, and the enduring spirit of public service, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) is proudly participating in the 4th Edition of the Inter-Ministerial Games, held as part of the 2025 Civil Service Week Celebrations.

The Games, which officially kicked off this June, bring together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in a vibrant celebration of fitness, fellowship, and healthy competition. More than just a sporting event, the Inter-Ministerial Games have become a cherished platform for promoting camaraderie, cross-sector collaboration, and the values that hold the civil service together in discipline, perseverance, and service with heart.

In the group stage opener, MLGCRA faced off against the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in a spirited contest that tested both strength and resolve. Though the result tilted in favour of the opposing side, the Ministry’s team held their heads high.

As the journey continues, attention now shifts to the next fixture on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, where our gallant team will take on the Ministry of Labour and Employment Relations. With renewed focus and an intensified training schedule, the team is gearing up not just to compete, but to conquer.

The Ministry calls on all staff to show their unyielding support to cheer from the sidelines, share in the vision, and carry the torch of team spirit. Whether on or off the field, our collective strength lies in our togetherness.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)