The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in partnership with the German government through the German Development Corporation (GIZ), has further cemented its commitment to decentralisation reforms in Ghana. This was demonstrated during the official launch of SECO’s contribution to the Participation Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme on September 18, 2024, in Accra.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) hosted the event, which saw key stakeholders from Ghana, Switzerland, and Germany come together to discuss the implementation of the PAIReD programme. Central to these discussions were improving the inter-governmental fiscal framework, enhancing local-level data management and land-use planning, and strengthening accountability in governance.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the government of Germany and Switzerland was commended for their consistent support toward Ghana’s decentralisation agenda. The minister emphasized that this collaborative effort would help achieve the PAIReD programme’s ambitious goals, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all partners.

Dr. Dirk Assman, Country Director of GIZ, highlighted the importance of joint efforts, noting that the collaboration between stakeholders would drive significant achievements in participatory governance and accountability. He remarked, “Together we will accomplish some remarkable achievements as part of our cooperation.”

Also speaking at the event, David Collison, Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Finance, stressed the importance of accountability in fostering trust between the government and its citizens. He acknowledged that the successful implementation of the PAIReD programme would rely heavily on the active engagement of development partners, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

The PAIReD programme aims to create a governance framework that is efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of the people. Key areas of focus include participatory planning, budgeting, improved data management, land-use management, and enhancing accountability in the inter-governmental fiscal system. These efforts are expected to contribute to good governance and sustainable development in Ghana.

The launch event was attended by representatives from the Local Government Ministry, the German Embassy, the Swiss Embassy, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders. With renewed enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of the PAIReD programme, participants left the event equipped to drive accountable governance and foster resilient democracy in Ghana.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

A delegation from the Gambian Ministry of Lands, Regional Government & Religious Affairs has visited Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) to study the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project Phase 2 (GPSNP2), a key social protection initiative.

The delegation’s focus is to observe and learn from Ghana’s success in implementing productive inclusion (PI) under GPSNP2, a model that has significantly advanced social protection at the local governance level.

The study tour comes as Gambia prepares to launch its own Productive Economic Inclusion initiative within the Resilient Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project, a program aimed at empowering economically vulnerable populations to achieve sustainable livelihoods. With Ghana having set a successful precedent through GPSNP2, the Gambian delegation hopes to replicate key aspects of Ghana’s approach, particularly the strategies and implementation practices that have effectively integrated vulnerable communities into productive economic activities.

During a comprehensive briefing, the technical team from MLGDRD presented the core components, methodologies, and outcomes of GPSNP2’s productive inclusion strategies. The PI component under GPSNP2, they shared, has focused on equipping economically disadvantaged groups with skills, resources, and opportunities that enable them to generate sustainable income. The team detailed how the project has been structured to provide targeted support, ensuring that even the most marginalized are empowered to participate in the economic landscape.

Following the briefing, the delegation is scheduled to embark on a field visit to Ghana’s Upper East Region, where GPSNP2 has been successfully implemented. This hands-on visit is set to offer the Gambian team a practical understanding of the project's day-to-day operations, including interactions with project beneficiaries and field staff. Observing these processes firsthand is expected to be pivotal, as it will showcase how the project has addressed the unique challenges faced by communities in Ghana’s northern regions.

Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, Chief Director of MLGDRD, who chaired the briefing session, highlighted Ghana’s commitment to regional collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals. He underscored that “Ghana’s experience in delivering productive inclusion has been built upon shared aspirations for economic resilience and social equity within local governance structures.” Mr. Abdul-Rahaman further expressed optimism that the insights gained by the Gambian team would translate into effective strategies for Gambia’s social intervention framework, bringing tangible benefits to its communities.

On behalf of the delegation, the Gambian leader praised the strategic relevance of the visit, describing it as an invaluable step toward the success of Gambia’s own social protection initiatives. He expressed gratitude for Ghana’s consistent and comprehensive support, which, he noted, has extended across multiple sectors of governance and development. “The experience and knowledge shared by the Ghanaian team are both inspiring and crucial,” he remarked, “and this tour marks a milestone in Gambia’s preparations to deliver an inclusive project that uplifts the lives of the economically vulnerable.”

As Ghana and Gambia continue to forge strong bilateral ties through knowledge-sharing and mutual support, this study tour highlights a shared vision to foster resilient, inclusive economies in West Africa. By learning from Ghana’s GPSNP2, the Gambian delegation hopes to adopt a model that will empower its communities, ultimately contributing to sustainable development across the subregion.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP), initially implemented from 2016 to 2023, has been evaluated as a successful initiative with significant potential for further impact. In response, a second phase, GUMAP II, has been launched to build on the achievements of the first phase and enhance urban mobility and accessibility in targeted cities.

The primary goal of GUMAP II is to place selected cities on a path toward improved liveability and competitiveness by refining urban mobility planning. This will be achieved through proven methodologies and targeted technical support, ensuring a smooth transition from planning to project implementation. The project’s outputs could attract future investment from international financial institutions.

Among the challenges that GUMAP II aims to address are the lack of a strategic framework for urban mobility, the need for data-driven project formulation, and improving the capacity of technical staff to manage urban mobility issues. The project will focus on four key components: urban mobility planning, project preparation, investment measures, and targeted training.

The primary beneficiaries of GUMAP II are the Departments of Transport within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), Tamale, and Sekondi-Takoradi. The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGD&RD) will also benefit by gaining a national strategic outlook on urban mobility and strengthening its capacity to support local governments in managing urban transport issues.

GUMAP II represents a critical step in Ghana’s efforts to create a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility system, benefitting both residents and the overall development of the country’s urban areas.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)