In line with the Local Government Act 2016, (Act 936), the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has formally inaugurated the Sixth Local Government Service Council, with a call on council members to drive transformation in local governance and public service delivery.

In his inaugural address on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 at the Ministry's conference room, the sector Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, noted that the inauguration of the Council was a reaffirmation of the President’s commitment to revitalizing local governance system to deliver results and promote inclusion.

 He indicated that the Local Government Service is the frontline of development, as it always deals with the people at the grassroot and are thus able to transmit feedback to shape policy development that reflect the aspirations of citizens.

In congratulating the members on their appointment, Hon. Ibrahim expressed government's confidence in their capacity to elevate the Local Government Service to greater heights. The Council is chaired by Ambassador Akua Sena Dansua (a former M.P, Minister, and Ambassador).

The Minister reminded them of their statutory mandate as stated in the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), to ensure the effective administration of the decentralized local government system and charged them to promote professionalism, accountability, and measurable performance across the service, noting that a responsive and well-trained workforce is key to modernizing local government.

While recognizing the high expectations despite the increasing complexities in the local governance system, the Minister called for integrity, strategic collaboration, and openness in the execution of their duty as the Sixth Local Government Service Council. He encouraged the Council to forge strong partnerships with institutions and development partners, stressing that a united front will make local government a true engine for national transformation.

Hon. Ibrahim further urged the Council to build on the legacy of their predecessors but exceed it in innovation and impact. He pledged the Ministry’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Council to address challenges and strengthen service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Chairperson, Amb. Akua Sena Dansua, acknowledged the challenges involved in the system, but assured President John Dramani Mahama that the Council will provide the requisite support, guidance and advice to drive the decentralisation mandate and make Ghanaians proud.

She was of the view that the Council's job is daunting, however, with the experience , expertise as well as the rich and diverse background of the council members, they will work assiduously to make the appointing authority proud, and Ghanaians happy.

The Sixth Service Council , also includes the following as members;   Audrey  Smock Amosa PhD (National Development Planning Commission), Prof Nicholas Awortwi (Institute of Local Government Studies),  Inusah Shirazu (Ministry of Education), Koku Awoonor -Williams (MD, PhD, Ministry of Health). Other members are: Prof. Lord Mensah (Office of Head of Local Government Service), Michael Harry Yamson (District Assembly Common Fund), Amin Abdul -Rahaman (Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs), Alfred Askedy Adjei (National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana), Mahmood Shakil Kpedau (Local Government Workers' Union) and Buipewura Mahama Abdulai Jinapor II ()National House of Chiefs.

The rest are Christopher Kwaku Dapaah, Richard Fiadomor PhD, Nubyl Kakra Vanlare and Mary Ampong.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has commended the leadership and members of the Methodist Church Ghana, Dawhenya-Afienya Circuit, for their steadfast contribution to spiritual growth, community development, and national cohesion over the past five years.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, during the 5th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Bethel Chapel in Dawhenya, the Deputy Minister praised the Church for its resilience, purpose-driven ministry, and alignment with the broader national vision of reflection, renewal, and transformation.

“This celebration is not only a commemoration of your five year journey but a moment to acknowledge God’s purpose and faithfulness in expanding your soul-winning frontiers,” she stated on behalf of the Minister.

She extended warm congratulations from His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to the leadership of the Tema Diocese, the Dawhenya-Afienya Circuit, and the entire Methodist Church Ghana for their legacy of service to the nation.

The theme of the anniversary, “5 Years of Grace: Reflection on God’s Purpose and Faithfulness,” was noted as deeply resonant with the government’s development agenda, particularly as captured in the recent National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving themed “Reflect, Reset and Renew for National Prosperity.”

Hon. Sowah, quoting Isaiah 46:10 and Isaiah 41:10, emphasized that the Church’s progress is rooted in divine guidance and purpose, and encouraged the congregation to live lives of gratitude, faithfulness, and service.

She applauded the vision and leadership of Rev. Moses Tetteh Terkper, the first Superintendent Minister of the Circuit, and Very Rev. Isaac William Akyerefi-Mensah, along with other past and present leaders whose dedication has brought the Dawhenya-Afienya Circuit to its current standing.

“Let your work be recognised not just among men but by God,” she urged.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Hon. Sowah highlighted the strategic restructuring of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to harmonize religious affairs with decentralised local governance for better development outcomes. She shared updates on key initiatives, including the 24-Hour Economy Markets Project, designed to create safe, modern, and inclusive trading spaces across the country.

She called on the Church to support the establishment of 24-hour markets within the Districts by lending community mobilisation and service-based partnerships to support local development.

“Faith-based institutions remain key partners in development. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that public services reach the people in practical and transformative ways,” she said.

The Deputy Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the Reset Agenda, focused on improving public service delivery, enhancing decentralisation, and fostering responsible governance at all levels.

“The Government appreciates your impact in shaping thousands of lives through discipleship, education, moral formation, and community service, particularly in Dawhenya, Afienya, Tema, and surrounding areas.”

She concluded by encouraging the congregation to remain anchored in the Methodist spirit of service and discipline, and to continue as vessels of honour for God’s glory.

“As we surge forward, let us reflect Christ in word and deed. Our nation will rise when its people are rooted in righteousness and service.”

The anniversary service brought together dignitaries from the Church, traditional leaders, Ministry officials, the media, and congregants from across the Circuit in a celebration of faith, reflection, and shared commitment to national development.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Stephanie Edem Klutsey

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

By Darling Maame Efua Cann

On Friday, 11th July 2025, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) convened a high-level ceremony to inaugurate the Governing Board of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and the Council of the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS). Presided over by the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the event marked more than a routine administrative engagement, it constituted a strategic intervention and a renewed call to leadership in Ghana’s local governance and planning landscape.

The appointments of Pln. Jonathan Azaaso as Chairman of the LUSPA Board and Dr. William Kofi Ahadzie as Chairman of the ILGS Council signal a deliberate step by government to reinforce institutional leadership with professionals of proven expertise, deep sectoral insight, and technical credibility. Their respective mandates are not ceremonial. They represent a renewed national commitment to strengthen the foundations of decentralised governance, improve the integrity of spatial planning, and ensure policy implementation at the local level is both responsive and sustainable.

Ghana’s spatial development challenges are well documented. Rapid urbanisation, weak enforcement of planning standards, and poor compliance with statutory provisions have contributed to a host of problems, from unregulated construction and ineffective land use to recurrent flooding and deteriorating city infrastructure. The Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, under Act 925, is the lead agency mandated to regulate and guide the country’s physical development. Yet, without strengthened governance and full cooperation from MMDAs, the Authority’s impact has remained constrained.

In his address, the Minister was unequivocal in his charge to the newly inaugurated Board. He emphasised the urgency of ensuring that District Spatial Planning Committees become operational, that development and building permit regimes are enforced, and that all MMDAs establish permanent public data rooms as mandated by law. These measures, while technical in nature, carry profound implications for governance, transparency, and urban order. They represent the practical levers by which Ghana can address its enduring challenges in land management and spatial organisation.

In a similar vein, the Institute of Local Government Studies continues to occupy a strategic space within Ghana’s decentralisation framework. Since its inception, the Institute has played a vital role in building the capacity of local government actors, supporting policy development, and providing tailored training for public sector leadership at the sub-national level. However, the evolving development landscape requires the ILGS to scale up its influence, broaden its reach, and modernise its systems.

The government’s vision to transition the Institute into a specialised University reflects the recognition that decentralisation is not just a political ideal but a technical and professional imperative. As the primary institution responsible for grooming the next generation of local governance practitioners, the ILGS must now position itself as a centre of excellence, anchored in research, academic discipline, and practical training that is responsive to the needs of the country’s regions, districts, and communities.

This inauguration, therefore, is not simply about constituting new Boards. It is about entrusting two of the sector’s most important institutions with the responsibility to drive forward the government’s reform agenda under the Resetting Ghana framework. It is about reinforcing institutional credibility, recalibrating strategy, and ensuring that mandates are matched with measurable action.

The expectation is clear. LUSPA must lead on compliance and coordination of spatial planning activities across the country, while ILGS must rise as a thought leader and human capital developer in local governance. With effective collaboration, technical focus, and strategic foresight, both institutions can play a central role in redefining the quality of public service delivery at the local level.

At a time when the demand for effective governance, spatial coherence, and sustainable development continues to grow, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated. What lies ahead for these institutions is not business as usual, but the opportunity, and the obligation to become catalysts of national progress.

(The writer is a Public Relations Officer with the Ministry of Local Government. Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) and a Staff of the Information Services Department (ISD)

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