President John Dramani Mahama has received the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana at the Jubilee House for a wide-ranging discussion on national development, moral values and good governance. The delegation was accompanied by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and his Deputy, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, reflecting government’s commitment to open, respectful engagement with faith-based institutions.

The dialogue opened with the Council expressing deep concern about the scale and impact of illegal mining across the country. They described galamsey as a threat to the nation’s moral fabric, its rivers, lands and long-term security. President Mahama acknowledged the urgency of the matter and outlined the government’s renewed approach to tackling the crisis. He noted the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, NAIMOS, as the central operational body coordinating intelligence, enforcement and monitoring across affected communities. He explained that government is tightening controls on the importation of excavators and introducing structured reclamation job schemes that provide genuine livelihoods for young people while restoring degraded lands. He assured the Council that these interventions form part of a short-to-medium term national roadmap aimed at environmental recovery and community stability.

The discussion also touched on Ghana’s moral and family values, with the Council seeking clarity on government’s direction in this area. President Mahama restated his public position that once Parliament debates, amends, endorses and passes the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, he will assent to it. He affirmed that the family remains the centre of the nation’s social life and that government is committed to protecting Ghana’s cultural identity and moral cohesion.

On the matter of national heritage, the Council reiterated their longstanding advocacy for the completion of the National Cathedral, describing it as a symbol of unity and spiritual significance. The President acknowledged their concerns and said government will continue to explore a pathway that is transparent, inclusive and responsible to the national interest.

The conversation extended to governance and accountability. The Council called for stronger anti-corruption efforts and equal application of justice. President Mahama assured them that independent oversight institutions will be strengthened to enhance public confidence and ensure fairness across all sectors. The Council also raised issues relating to mission education, urging better collaboration and clarity around autonomy in school management. The President acknowledged the valuable history of mission schools and pledged continued engagement to support their role in national development.

The delegation further expressed sympathy over the recent military recruitment tragedy. President Mahama thanked them for their condolences and assured them that investigations and systemic reviews are ongoing to prevent such incidents and safeguard national recruitment processes.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PR UNIT

The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has charged directors and heads of agencies under the Ministry to put their best foot forward as the Ministry prepares to present its 2026 budget to the Parliamentary Select Committee.

She delivered this call during a high-level preparatory meeting held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, aimed at refining the Ministry’s budget proposals and strengthening the collective readiness of all departments involved.

Hon. Sowah underscored the urgency of correcting all identified gaps within the budget document, stressing that the Ministry must project clarity, confidence and strategic direction during the hearing. She expressed hope that every detail well-aligned with the Ministry’s development priorities. She commended the team for good job done, adding that the budget presentation was very essential for the ministry in terms of carrying out its mandate successfully.

The Director in charge of Budget, Mrs. Freda Faah with support from Mr. Fred Ofasi, a Programs Officer at the Budget Unit of the Ministry, took the Minister, Deputy Minister, Directors and Staff through the proposed 2026 budget. The budget highlighted the Ministry’s strategic vision, and key financial priorities for the ensuing year, which boldly represents what the Ministry stands for. The presentation   sets the stage for deeper internal review and collaboration for the sector.

The meeting brought together heads and representatives from the Ministry’s departments and allied institutions, Institute of Local Government Studies, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Parks and Gardens, Births and Deaths Registry, Department of Community Development, and the Local Government Service.

This review meeting is instrumental in shaping the final input before the parliamentary engagement.

Source: Nora Mumuni

Public Relations Unit, MLCGRA

As Ghana joined the global community to commemorate 2025 World Toilet Day, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has called for renewed commitment to sanitation, describing it as a fundamental human right that must be accessible to every individual.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, at a news conference by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, on 19th November 2025 in Accra, UNICEF’s Representative Madam Korama Ocran stressed that sanitation should never be viewed as a privilege but as a necessity required for dignity, safety, and healthy living.
She revealed that the world’s rapidly growing population estimated at 3.5 billion people together with the accelerating impacts of climate change, continues to mount enormous pressure on global environmental health and sanitation systems. According to her, the consequences of inadequate sanitation are most severe for women and children, who remain disproportionately exposed to health and safety risks due to the lack of proper toilet facilities.
Madam Ocran therefore called on government to prioritize sustained investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects, describing sanitation interventions as life-saving and essential for community resilience.
She further appealed to the media to intensify advocacy on sanitation, champion national conversations on hygiene, and support behavioral change campaigns. Communities were also encouraged to actively participate in efforts to make Ghana an Open Defecation Free (ODF) country through improved household sanitation and responsible environmental practices.
The 2025 World Toilet Day celebration reinforces the urgent need for collaborative action from policymakers, the private sector, development partners, and citizens to ensure that every Ghanaian enjoys access to safe, dignified, and sustainable sanitation services.
Source: Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA