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

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