Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim says Ghana’s drive toward sustainable national development is centred on a stronger collaboration between government and faith-based institutions.

While delivering his keynote address at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Victory in Christ Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Sunyani, on Saturday, 29^th November, 2025,he said many churches are complimenting government efforts in development and  commended the church’s longstanding role in education, health and community transformation, reiterating that national progress thrives when the State and the church work hand in hand.

Hon. Ibrahim praised the church’s contribution to education, health, and social outreach across the country and called on religious bodies to remain partners in national transformation, stressing that their educational institutions, schools, hospitals, and outreach programmes stand as proof of their commitment to Ghana’s progress.

He used the platform to speak on the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day by President John Dramani Mahama and urged members of the congregation to get involved in the monthly sanitation exercise at their various communities by leading the campaign for a better and cleaner Ghana.

The Minister also urged the congregation to lead the fight against gender-based violence and child marriages, by ensuring that the girl child stays in school rather than giving them out in marriage before the age of 18. He was of the view that social stability is paramount to development, as peaceful communities are a prerequisite for progress.

Turning his focus to peace and governance, Hon. Ibrahim called for prayers for national unity, particularly in areas experiencing chieftaincy disputes in the Bono Region. He stated that strong moral governance and community cooperation remain essential for empowering citizens to reach their full potential.

Source: Hini-Amoako Melody

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that advance sustainable sanitation and waste management across the country. This assurance was given when Safisana, a company operating in the circular economy and waste-to-energy sector, paid a courtesy call to officially welcome the minister to his new position.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasised that the ministry is open to collaboration with institutions whose work aligns with national priorities in environmental sustainability, community well-being, and improved service delivery. He noted that addressing sanitation challenges remains one of the ministry’s key focus areas, particularly as urbanisation increases and pressures on waste management systems intensify.
The minister highlighted the importance of leveraging both public and private sector expertise to modernise the country’s sanitation infrastructure. He stated that such engagements help the ministry explore practical solutions that can support local assemblies, strengthen waste treatment systems, and contribute to cleaner, healthier communities. He expressed satisfaction with the discussions held and encouraged continued dialogue with partners.
Safisana used the visit to brief the minister on its ongoing operations and its interest in possible areas of partnership with government agencies and local authorities. The company operates a recycling and waste-to-energy facility in Ashaiman and has been exploring opportunities for collaboration with public institutions to expand sustainable waste treatment models. Safisana expressed its readiness to support national efforts aimed at improving sanitation outcomes.
The meeting also touched on the ministry’s broader plans to promote sustainable and cost-effective waste management solutions across municipalities. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim stressed that innovative approaches, whether in wastewater treatment, handling of organic waste, or improving sanitation services in urban communities, play a critical role in achieving long-term environmental goals.
The ministry assured Safisana of its willingness to work with responsible partners whose initiatives complement government policies. Both parties agreed to continue discussions on specific areas of cooperation that could contribute to improved service delivery, environmental protection, and enhanced resilience within local assemblies.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah
MLGCRA PR Unit

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has tasked the Hajj Agents Association to channel all pilgrimage -related matters through the for effective resolution.
According to him, with the Ministry’s mandate as the primary government interface on religious affairs, the Ministry has a central role at the outset and clarified the proper channels of communication. The Minister made this call at a meeting with the association, on Friday, 28th November 2025 at the Ministry conference room in Accra to address key concerns raised by the agents regarding the Hajj pilgrimage.
Hon. Ibrahim outlined a path forward, urging a system of peer review among agents to ensure high standards. He also called on the association to desist from the sale of protocol tickets to address the concerns of paying pilgrims. He expressed confidence in the leadership of the Hajj Board, stating that they will deliver good results.
Touching on the report, the Minister noted that another meeting should be conveyed to have to review the reports with the key concerns raised for inward submission to President John Mahama. He further suggested establishing a regular dialogue forum, proposing that the Hajj Agents Association and the Hajj Board can have meetings monthly at the Ministry.
For his part, the Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Tanko commended government for its initial intervention in reducing the Hajj fee from GH₵75,000 to GH₵60,000. They then presented a list of pressing issues requiring further attention, which included a call for an additional reduction in the overall cost of the Hajj pilgrimage, the need for pre-financing the Hajj pilgrimage, the separation of paying pilgrims from those on government protocol, and the timely payment of Hajj commissions to the agents.
The Hajj Agents Association formally handed over a detailed report of their concerns to the Minister, with the hope of government fully addressing all their concerns to ensure an efficient pilgrimage in 2026.
This engagement is instrumental in shaping the government's response to the operational challenges within the Hajj pilgrimage system and sets the stage for deeper collaboration between the agents, the board, and the Ministry.
Source: Nora Mumuni
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA