The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim, has underscored decentralisation as the foundation of Ghana’s renewed development drive under the Reset Agenda of President John Dramani Mahama. He said this at the National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Local Governance held in Accra.

Honourable Ibrahim affirmed that the Ministry remains committed to deepening local governance and strengthening the decentralisation framework to empower citizens and promote inclusive growth. He stressed that decentralisation is not just a structural reform, but a people-centred approach that enables government to respond directly to community priorities.

The Minister announced that government has released GH¢2 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), one of the most significant disbursements in recent years. This, he explained, reflects President Mahama’s renewed resolve to adequately resource Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to accelerate local-level development and service delivery.

He called on Assemblies to prioritise citizen participation, ensure accountability, and strengthen local revenue mobilisation to sustain progress at the grassroots. “When governance is felt in the lives of ordinary people—when schools improve, health centres function, and markets thrive—then decentralisation is truly working,” he said.

Honourable Ibrahim commended the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) for effectively coordinating sectoral reforms and reaffirmed the Ministry’s determination to consolidate progress, harmonise policies, and build stronger collaboration among state institutions, civil society, and traditional authorities.

The National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Local Governance, held under the theme “Strengthening Local Governance for Inclusive Development,” brought together Ministers of State, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, development partners, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives to review achievements, address gaps, and align strategies for sustainable local governance.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

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Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, has called for bold reforms to strengthen decentralisation and deepen responsive governance across the country. Delivering the keynote address at the Maiden National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance held from 25th to 26th September 2025 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, she said the government’s Reset Agenda places decentralisation at the heart of national development, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people and that resources match responsibilities at the local level.

Highlighting progress made, the Vice President announced that over GH¢2 billion has been disbursed through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to support local development and improve service delivery. She said this demonstrates government’s resolve to make the long-standing principle that “funds must follow functions” a living reality rather than a slogan. She added that decentralisation must also promote participation and accountability so that citizens’ voices shape priorities and Assemblies are empowered to respond effectively.

Reaffirming government’s commitments, Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted plans to increase DACF allocations, advance discussions on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and enhance Assemblies’ capacity to generate and manage revenues. “The next time a child walks into a classroom, a mother visits a health centre, or a farmer seeks extension services, they should feel the hand of government not as something distant in Accra, but as something responsive in their very community,” she said.

The Vice President commended the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) and its Secretariat for advancing reforms, noting the ongoing formulation of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy (2026–2030). She assured that government would continue to strengthen and resource the Committee to ensure effective coordination across sectors. “A strong and empowered IMCC is both a guarantee of effective policy coordination and a statement of our unwavering commitment to make decentralisation the driver of responsive governance and improved service delivery,” she affirmed.

She urged all stakeholders , government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector to treat the Dialogue as a call to collective action that redefines how citizens experience government in their daily lives. According to her, “the outcomes of this dialogue will shape how Ghana governs itself and how every citizen experiences government.”

The two-day National Dialogue, held under the theme “Resetting Decentralisation for Responsive Local Governance and Effective Service Delivery,” brought together ministers of state, Members of Parliament, local government officials, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society actors to chart a renewed direction for Ghana’s decentralisation framework for 2026–2030.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Saturday, October 5, 2025, joined hundreds of Christians and worshippers at the National Theatre in Accra for Shabach Praise 2025, a national praise and worship festival organized under the auspices of Jack Alolome Ministries.

The event brought together people from all walks of life in an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving, and worship to God for His enduring goodness and mercies upon Ghana.

Hon. Ibrahim’s participation underscored government’s recognition of the role of faith-based organizations in promoting unity, peace, and moral development across the country.

Speaking briefly at the event, the Minister commended Jack Alolome Ministries for creating a platform that brings believers together in gratitude to God, noting that such moments of collective worship strengthen national cohesion and reinforce the nation’s spiritual foundation.

He further emphasized that Ghana’s peace and progress are sustained not only through effective governance but also through divine grace and the shared faith of its people.

The National Theatre was charged with powerful ministrations from gospel artistes and choirs, drawing the congregation into moments of deep reflection and vibrant celebration.

The evening concluded with collective prayers and songs of thanksgiving for Ghana’s continued peace, unity, and prosperity.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT