The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), has reiterated Ghana’s unwavering commitment to a government-led decentralization agenda aimed at promoting inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience across the country.

He made this assertion when he received Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Ghana, during a courtesy call at the Ministry on Tuesday. The visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for mutual support in local governance and sustainable development.

Hon. Ibrahim noted that the Ministry is playing a central role in driving Ghana’s decentralization process in line with national development priorities. He cited several policy frameworks that are anchoring this transformation, including the National Environment Policy, National Rural Development Policy, National Decentralization Policy and Strategy, and the Environmental and Climate Change Policy.

“These policies collectively provide a strategic foundation for building national resilience, empowering local authorities, and fostering long-term sustainability,” the Minister said. He added that Ghana’s decentralization drive is being reoriented to respond more directly to global shifts toward local governance and grassroots empowerment.

“As you may be aware, this Ministry is advancing decentralization to support inclusive development and climate resilience across all regions. We recognize the growing global emphasis on local governance, and we believe Ghana must be at the forefront of that shift,” he stated.

Hon. Ibrahim further drew attention to the Ghana Sustainability Strategy, a comprehensive initiative designed to position Ghana among the leading countries on sustainability and resilience metrics. He emphasized that the strategy reflects Ghana’s commitment to meeting global standards while contextualizing them to fit the country’s unique development needs.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund, for her part, applauded the Government of Ghana for the strategic policies and institutional reforms underway to enhance governance and accountability at all levels. She expressed optimism that the relationship between Sweden and Ghana would continue to grow stronger, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability, urban resilience, and inclusive local development.

In a significant step towards tackling urban air pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a comprehensive five-year Air Quality Management Plan aimed at improving atmospheric conditions within the Greater Accra Region.

This came to light on Thursday when a delegation from the EPA, led by Acting Director Mrs. Selina Amoah, paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to seek active collaboration in rolling out the initiative.

Mrs. Amoah noted that the plan is informed by a four-year data-driven assessment of air pollution levels at key urban locations including Kaneshie First Light, Mallam Market, Tetteh Quarshie, and the University of Ghana. The results, she said, paint a troubling picture: Accra’s air pollution levels consistently exceed recommended thresholds, posing significant risks to public health and urban wellbeing.

“In response, we have proposed targeted interventions. One of these is to ensure the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) integrates emissions testing as a prerequisite for issuing roadworthy certificates,” she stated.

The EPA emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral involvement in addressing what is increasingly becoming a public health emergency, and called on the Ministry to lend its support in engaging local government structures and communities.

Officials of the Ministry welcomed the proposal with enthusiasm, expressing their readiness to partner with the EPA in implementing the strategy. They underscored the Ministry’s commitment to advancing sustainable urban development and affirmed that environmental protection remains a key pillar of local governance.

The engagement marks a new chapter in Ghana’s fight against air pollution where policy, science, and inter-agency collaboration converge for cleaner skies and healthier cities.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

(Public Relations Unit - MLGCRA)

The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is set to undertake a major urban transformation initiative in the Northern Region, specifically targeting the Tamale Metropolis.

The project, which aligns with Ghana’s national urban policy, aims to significantly enhance urban mobility, improve solid waste management, and promote environmental sustainability in Tamale one of the country’s fastest-urbanizing cities.

A final review meeting to consolidate the contribution agreement was held on Thursday, 5th June 2025, at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The session marked a key milestone in preparing for full-scale implementation of the project.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, described the initiative as a crucial step toward driving sustainable growth through improved decentralisation. He noted that government’s increased financial commitment to the assemblies must be matched with strong urban infrastructure to ensure lasting development.

Also addressing the meeting, Director for Local Governance and Decentralisation, Pln. Samuel Seth Passah, emphasized that decentralisation remains one of the most effective ways to deliver meaningful development at the local level. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the success of the project in Tamale.

The transformation of the Tamale Metropolis is expected to usher in a new era of urban development in the north, ultimately positioning the city as a regional engine of growth and innovation. The intervention forms part of government’s broader vision to bridge the development gap between the northern and southern sectors of the country while promoting inclusive, climate-resilient cities.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)