The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), has called for a bold and united national effort to drive regional industrialisation and deepen local economic integration, describing it as essential to Ghana’s inclusive growth and development.

Delivering the keynote address at the 3rd edition of the Made-in-Ghana Business Summit held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to shift from centralised development models toward district-based, community-empowered economic strategies.

“The call to promote regional industrialisation is not just about industry. It is about dignity,” he stated. “It is about empowering our people where they live, decentralising opportunity, and ensuring that every Ghanaian; from Bawku to Axim, can find decent jobs and contribute meaningfully to our economy.”

This year’s summit, held under the theme “Promoting Regional Industrialisation and Business Integration in Ghana,” brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, traditional authorities, the diplomatic corps, and development partners to explore sustainable pathways for Ghana’s economic transformation.

Hon. Ibrahim announced a major policy shift in the allocation of resources to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), revealing that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has been increased from 50% to 80% under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. According to him, this increase is not merely a budgetary adjustment but a firm commitment to empowering local authorities with the financial muscle to plan, implement and sustain transformative projects.

He explained that with this increment, Assemblies will be better positioned to expand infrastructure, support youth and women-led enterprises, and deliver real, visible impact in communities across the country. This, he added, would accelerate decentralisation and build resilient, self-sufficient local economies.

The Minister further highlighted how ongoing development programmes are already contributing to this agenda. He mentioned the GrEEn Project, funded by the European Union and the UNCDF, which is creating green jobs in the Ashanti and Western Regions by supporting climate-smart agriculture, waste-to-energy systems and eco-tourism. He also referenced the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, a $150 million World Bank initiative currently being implemented in 48 Assemblies. This programme is aimed at addressing community resilience, strengthening local infrastructure, and improving economic opportunities in vulnerable northern regions.

Additionally, he cited the Ghana Productive Safety Net Programme II (GPSNP II), which has provided labour-intensive job opportunities and critical support to vulnerable households through interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.

Hon. Ibrahim announced the successful integration of the Chieftaincy sector into the Ministry’s framework, describing it as a vital step toward enhancing participatory governance. He emphasised the important role of traditional authorities as custodians of land, culture and community stability. Their involvement in resolving land disputes, securing land for agro-industrial projects, and supporting youth entrepreneurship, he noted, is helping to bridge the gap between modern governance and traditional leadership.

“Our chiefs are not relics of the past; they are partners in development,” he said. “Their involvement ensures legitimacy, cultural alignment, and long-term sustainability of projects across the regions.”

The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s vision of building a future where no region is left behind. “Our regional industrialisation agenda is not a dream; it is a plan already in motion. The foundation is set. The tools are in our hands. What remains is collective will.”

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

The Republic of Ghana will solemnly observe a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, an initiative led by the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, as a symbolic and substantive call to spiritual reflection, national gratitude, and renewed unity. The occasion, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of Ghana attaining republican status will be commemorated across all 16 regions and 261 districts, uniting the nation under one collective spiritual canopy.

The announcement was formally made during a high-level engagement between the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day Planning Committee and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Committee to brief the Minister on preparatory progress and to reaffirm the national vision underpinning the initiative.

Speaking at the engagement, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim underscored the profound spiritual and civic significance of the observance. Drawing inspiration from scriptural principles and historical precedent, the Minister highlighted the transformative power of collective faith, the enduring relevance of divine providence in leadership, and the imperative for national unity in navigating times of change.

    “When a nation pauses to acknowledge the hand of the Almighty in its journey, it opens itself up to restoration, wisdom, and purpose,” the Minister remarked. “This is not just a ceremonial gathering, it is a solemn spiritual reawakening and a shared reaffirmation of our covenant with destiny.”

Reiterating the Ministry’s full endorsement, the Minister called on Ghanaians from all walks of life across faiths, ethnic lines, and political persuasions to approach the day with reverence, sincerity, and a spirit of national solidarity. He urged religious and traditional leaders to play pivotal roles in mobilising citizens toward what he described as “a sacred encounter with the soul of the nation.”

Reflecting on Ghana’s recent political transition in December 2024, which was widely hailed as peaceful and exemplary, the Minister attributed the nation’s stability to divine favour and the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions. He noted that Ghana continues to be a shining light of peace and constitutional order within the West African sub-region, and called on citizens to remain vigilant, prayerful, and united.

Chairman of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day Planning Committee, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, expressed profound appreciation for the Minister’s support and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to delivering a nationally inclusive, spiritually enriching, and administratively seamless observance.

Themed “Reflect, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity,” this year’s event aims to inspire introspection on both individual and national levels, encouraging citizens to assess their personal and collective journeys, renew their dedication to Ghana’s development, and collectively pursue the path of peace, progress, and shared prosperity.

Hon. Ankrah emphasized that the Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving transcends religious affiliation or doctrinal boundaries. “This is a national moment of pause and purpose; open to every Ghanaian, regardless of religious or cultural heritage,” he stated. “Our aim is to foster a deeply spiritual atmosphere that transcends partisanship and consumerism, anchoring the nation in values that bind rather than divide.”

Planning activities are already underway across regional and district capitals, with religious bodies, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and political leaders all expected to lend their voices and presence to the day’s observances. The Committee and the Ministry have jointly cautioned against the politicisation or commercial exploitation of the event, insisting that it be preserved as a sacred national ritual of gratitude and hope.

As Ghana prepares to mark this milestone, the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is poised to become a cornerstone of the national calendar, a symbolic reckoning with the past, a strengthening of the present, and a spiritual invocation for the nation’s future.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamaoh

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

SIC Financial Services has proposed the introduction of a Group Personal Pension Scheme (GPPS) specifically designed for Assembly Members, in a bid to improve their long-term financial security and embed a structured culture of retirement savings within local governance. The proposal was formally presented during a strategic engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA).

The Ministry, recognising the relevance and timeliness of the initiative, listened attentively and engaged closely with SIC officials. The Ministry encouraged further dialogue and consultations, especially with Assembly Members themselves, their collective groupings, and relevant association leadership. This, the Ministry believes, is key to ensuring the scheme’s design and implementation respond directly to the lived realities of local representatives across the country.

The proposal outlines a system where Assembly Members would contribute between five and ten per cent of their monthly allowances into a pension fund, aligned with the third-tier structure of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). With approximately 77 per cent of Ghana’s economy comprising informal sector workers, many of whom serve as Assembly or Unit Committee Members, this proposed scheme is positioned to bring long-overdue pension coverage to a largely unprotected segment.

An integral part of SIC’s proposal also includes a life insurance policy that would provide financial support to the families of Assembly Members who pass away while in office. This additional protection seeks to lessen the burden on families and reduce the reliance on limited local government resources during times of grief.

The overarching objective is to promote financial independence and peace of mind for Assembly Members, ensuring they can serve their communities with dedication and a sense of security. The Ministry expressed appreciation for the forward-thinking proposal and reiterated its commitment to work with key stakeholders, including the NPRA and licensed pension fund managers to examine the framework and potential modalities for implementation.

If adopted, the scheme will be rolled out with an initial sensitisation campaign to educate Assembly Members on the benefits, registration processes, and expectations. Enrolment will involve capturing essential personal and beneficiary details, followed by monthly deductions and contribution tracking through direct notifications.

To guarantee sustainability and transparency, a Board of Trustees will be established to supervise the scheme, and quarterly monitoring sessions will be held to review progress and make necessary adjustments.

This development marks a promising step towards enhancing social protection for Ghana’s local government actors. It also reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment where innovative partnerships can lead to meaningful, people-centred governance solutions.

Source: Matilda Tettey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)