To mitigate the impact of flooding, the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to move all authorized structures from buffers, especially within the Greater Accra Region.

MMDAs are also cautioned to adhere to their mandate of ensuring proper planning in their various jurisdictions to mitigate flooding.

These directives were issued on behalf of the Government Representative of the Ministry, Hon Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah who explained that by law, District Assemblies have the responsibility to ensure drains and gutters were de-silted.

In expressing the Ministry’s displeasure, he noted that buffers protect drains that are constructed to minimise flooding during rainy seasons, however, some sections of society illegally encroach these buffers and this hastens the flooding processes since their activities serve as obstructions to the waters that come as a result exacerbating the impact of the flooding.

He said the Ministry is aware some of the encroachments may be illegal, it is however, also aware that some of the encroachers have documents and leases from various Assemblies, this means that the Assemblies know of their presence in these unauthorised areas and have rather empowered the encroachers in this regard.

Speaking at a press briefing, Hon. Korsah indicated that the Ministry has observed with serious concern the non-performance of some Assemblies and called on the media to collaborate with the Ministry to educate the Public.

The media engagement was to send a signal and directive to those who have illegally built along the buffer areas and Assemblies who issue permits or leases for unauthorized structures serving as obstruction to planning processes and cause flooding to desist from such acts.

Also, Assemblies must ensure that such structures and properties are moved since they will be held accountable by the Ministry if such structures are found in unauthorized places.

The rains are about to start, all Assemblies are to desilt chocked gutters as funds have been disbursed to 17 beneficiary Municipal Assemblies under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.

Source:     Ernest Tweneboah Koduah
                 (Public Relations Unit, MLGDRD)

As part of the Civil Service Week Celebration, the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) actively participated in a Clean-up Exercise.

Led by Chief Director Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, the Ministry's staff demonstrated dedication and teamwork in enhancing cleanliness within the Ministry premises and its surroundings.

This initiative highlights MLGDRD's commitment to fostering a clean and conducive work environment as part of its broader contribution to national development.

The European Union (EU) and the German Government (GIZ) paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) on the 18^th of April 2024 at the Ministry.

The meeting discussed the new EU Regional Programme, and the preparations towards the implementation of the programme in Ghana. The Programme seeks to dwell on Local Governance and Social Cohesion in the Upper West Region, Wa.

The programme is set to build on Social Cohesion and Resilience and it is implemented across border countries. The Countries to benefit include, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ivory Coast and Ghana (SKBoWa).

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, expressed his gratitude to the EU and the German Government team for seeking to implement such a good initiative in Ghana. He mentioned that, the Programme is a laudable idea and the Ministry is ready to support and give the best to help develop and improve the programme.

He explained that, programmes that dwelled on Local Governance and Social Cohesion are always welcome because it paves the path for good governance and development. He assured the EU and the German Government team of the unwavering support from the Ministry 

In their presentation, the team from EU and the German Government expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the support. According to them, preparations for the start of the programme started two years ago and all potential beneficiaries have been involved in the process.

They mentioned that, the objective of the programme is to reduce risk for human safety, improve on good Local Governance, Social Cohesion and Economic Development across border countries. The Duration of the programme is 2024 to 2027 and the funding involved is a technical support fund from the EU and the German Government.

In explaining their next course of action for the programme, they stated that, the selection of the intervention zones is needed. They also reiterated that; the programme is going to build on some interventions already been initiated.

The Minister for MLGDRD, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, received the programme with much gratitude and mentioned that, this is very crucial at a time when our borders are not safe and much intervention was needed. He also assured the EU and German Government team of the coordination between them and the Ministry to help implement the programme successfully.

Source:             RHODALINE ABBA
                              (Public Relations Unit, MLGDRD)