In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Hon Tom Norring, has paid a courtesy call on Hon. Dan Botwe, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD). The meeting, held on Wednesday, November 28, at the Ministry, aimed to explore avenues for development cooperation between the two nations.

During the discussions, both parties delved into strategic collaborations in sectors such as capacity building and education, with a shared goal of expediting development in Ghana.

Welcoming the Danish Ambassador, Hon. Dan Botwe expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the people of Denmark, particularly through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), which has played a pivotal role in aiding not only Ghana but also various African countries.

Hon. Dan Botwe assured the Danish Ambassador of the commitment to ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the importance of aligning development projects with decentralized state structures. He pledged full support for future developmental initiatives, underlining the government's dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

In a bid to ensure the sustainability of benefits to Ghana, Hon. Dan Botwe urged the Danish Ambassador to route all developmental projects through government structures. This approach, he emphasized, would enhance the synergy between collaborative efforts and guarantee that the people of Ghana reap the rewards in a lasting manner.

The Danish Ambassador reciprocated the sentiment, affirming the commitment to aligning with Ghana's development agenda. He expressed gratitude to the minister and the Ghanaian government for their unwavering support.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including the Chief Director, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, and  Directors from the Ministry. The discussions concluded with a shared optimism for a continued and fruitful partnership between Denmark and Ghana, solidifying their commitment to mutual development.

In a collaborative effort to address operational challenges and optimize opportunities for the AAYALOLO Buses under the Greater Accra Transport Executives (GHAPTE), Hon. Daniel Botwe, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, engaged in a consultation meeting with GHAPTE leadership.

The meeting centered on a comprehensive report outlining challenges and opportunities for AAYALOLO Buses. Discussions focused on strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity, including plans for the grounded fleet and considerations for expanding the bus fleet.

The outcome emphasized a consensus on actionable steps to improve AAYALOLO services, with a commitment to citizen service enhancement. Hon. Daniel Botwe expressed appreciation for collaboration and outlined next steps, including prompt implementation of agreed-upon measures, regular follow-up meetings, and sustained collaboration for ongoing improvements.

The meeting concluded with a shared dedication to overcoming challenges and providing citizens with reliable public transportation services. The Ministry and GHAPTE affirmed their commitment to continuous collaboration and improvement.

In the aftermath of the Budget Hearing on November 15, 2023, the Hon. Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development engaged in crucial discussions with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to address challenges surrounding Property Rate revenue collection. The decision to revert this responsibility back to the Assemblies prompted a meeting focused on identifying issues and formulating solutions.

The Hon. Minister directed the establishment of a specialized committee. This committee is mandated to assess the current interim arrangement critically. Its objective is to propose a strategic way forward, emphasizing steps to enhance the efficiency of property rate collection.

The meeting conducted a thorough analysis of previous property rate collection efforts by GRA. This involved a detailed examination of challenges faced, an understanding of the collection process, and identification of areas for improvement.

Upon formation, the committee will be tasked with proposing strategies to address identified issues and outlining steps to streamline and improve the interim property rate collection process.

The committee will promptly initiate its assessment, with findings to be presented to the Ministry. Recommendations for improvements and a revised plan for property rate collection will be developed.

The meeting underscored the need for a comprehensive assessment of the current interim arrangement for Property Rate revenue collection. The establishment of a committee signals a commitment to proactively address issues and ensure an efficient and effective property rate collection process. This collaborative effort between the Ministry and GRA aims to enhance revenue generation for the Assemblies, contributing significantly to the overall decentralization and rural development agenda.