The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) is set to launch the Urban Complementary Livelihood and Assets Support Scheme (Urban CLASS) Productive Inclusion (PI) under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project 2 (GPSNP 2) in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

This initiative aims to empower urban poor households, especially women and youth, by equipping them with skills training, entrepreneurship development, and access to finance.

As part of preparations for the rollout, the Ministry has held a one-day working session with CLASS Implementation Team members from various Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) in GAMA at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS).

The session focused on finalizing implementation strategies following a successful pilot in the Ga South Municipal Assembly and selected districts in northern Ghana.

Speaking at the session, a Principal Development Planning Officer and the Project Liason Officer of GPSNP 2 at the Ministry, Mr. Eli Kuadey, commended Government of Ghana’s commitment towards the implementation of the project and conveyed its appreciation to Development Partners for their ongoing support in expanding social protection coverage and poverty reduction efforts.

The event brought together representatives from MMAs in GAMA and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC).

With a credit facility from the World Bank, GPSNP 2 is a five-year initiative aimed at reducing extreme poverty and increasing the productivity and incomes of vulnerable groups. The Urban CLASS/PI component is a key part of the project, designed to tackle urban poverty by providing targeted support to low-income households.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah & Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim was officially sworn in as the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs by His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House on January 24, 2025.

Alongside his colleagues, Hon. Ibrahim took the oath of office, pledging to serve with integrity and diligence in advancing Ghana’s local governance structures and traditional institutions.

In his address, President Mahama urged the newly appointed ministers to approach their duties with a deep sense of responsibility, emphasizing the need for efficiency, accountability, and collaboration. He tasked them with implementing policies that would better the lot of the people of Ghana.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of himself and his colleagues, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them and assured Ghanaians of their unwavering commitment to advancing the development of the nation.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Vice President for Western and Central Africa, has lauded the achievements of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project in Ghana. During his engagement with project stakeholders, Diagana emphasized the project’s pivotal role in promoting social cohesion, reducing vulnerabilities, and addressing fragility within the Northern Regions of Ghana.

The SOCO Project, implemented by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, is focused on fostering resilience and sustainable development in communities prone to conflict, climate change impacts, and economic instability.

Stakeholders highlighted the project’s tangible impact on education, livelihoods, and access to basic services. Diagana reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development agenda while urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum and expand the project’s reach for greater impact.

This engagement underscores the global significance of the SOCO Project as a model for promoting peace and inclusivity in fragile regions.