Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has officially assumed office today following his swearing-in by the President of the Republic. Speaking during his maiden interaction with the staff of the Ministry, including Directors, Project Coordinators, and Heads of Departments and Agencies under the Ministry's supervision, Hon. Ibrahim outlined his vision and priorities for the Ministry's operations.

The occasion also presented an opportunity for Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim to engage members of the press. He took the platform to articulate his vision for the Ministry and his approach to the role he has assumed. “This Ministry plays a pivotal role in our national development, and I am fully committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver on our mandate,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the strategic merger of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs into one entity. According to him, this move by the government is aimed at fostering synergy and emphasizing the roles of these institutions in deepening decentralization and local governance for effective service delivery.

He noted that the meeting was an opportunity to familiarize himself with his staff and key stakeholders while sharing the government’s vision for the Ministry. Hon. Ibrahim explained that the merger was not merely administrative but a deliberate effort to harmonize these critical institutions to serve the people better.

In his address, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted three key focus areas for his administration. He underscored the importance of deepening decentralization and local governance, ensuring that local governance structures are empowered to respond effectively to the needs of citizens. He also spoke about strengthening the chieftaincy institution, stating that traditional authorities would be provided with the necessary support to perform their roles in maintaining social cohesion and cultural preservation.

Additionally, he emphasized the need to facilitate religious institutions, creating an enabling environment for these organizations to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Minister also made sanitation and waste management a top priority for the Ministry. He expressed his commitment to ensuring cleaner and healthier cities and towns across the country, describing sanitation as fundamental to sustainable development. “We must work together to make sanitation and waste management a national priority. A healthy environment is critical to achieving our development goals,” he affirmed.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim expressed his readiness to build a productive relationship with the media, emphasizing the crucial role of the press in promoting transparency and creating awareness about the Ministry’s initiatives. “I believe the press is a key partner in shaping public discourse and amplifying the work we are doing. I look forward to working closely with you,” he remarked.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman on behalf of the staff of the Ministry welcomed the Minister’s vision with enthusiasm, pledging their support to help implement his agenda.

Members of the press also lauded his clear articulation of priorities and his proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the Ministry.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim’s first day at work signals the beginning of a tenure focused on decentralization, chieftaincy, religious affairs, and environmental sanitation. His vision sets a strong foundation for advancing local governance and driving national development.

SOURCE: MATILDA TETTEY & DARLING MAAME EFUA CANN

Parliament has officially approved the nomination of Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency, as the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGDRA). The decision follows his successful vetting by the Appointments Committee earlier this week.

Ahmed Ibrahim’s approval was met with widespread commendation, with members of Parliament praising his clear vision for strengthening local governance and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. His deep understanding of the complexities of local administration and commitment to addressing developmental challenges were key highlights during his vetting.

The Minister-designate is expected to focus on improving coordination between Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to deliver effective governance at the grassroots level. He has also pledged to prioritize the economic empowerment of districts by leveraging their unique resources to create jobs and enhance livelihoods.

One of Ahmed Ibrahim’s notable commitments during his vetting was to depoliticize developmental initiatives. He highlighted the need to shield programs such as the District Response Initiative Program (D.R.I.P.) from partisan influences to achieve sustainable results. This stance has resonated strongly with both Parliament and the public.

With this approval, Ahmed Ibrahim will officially assume his new role upon being sworn in by the President. His ministry will be tasked with overseeing critical areas, including local government administration, chieftaincy matters, and religious affairs, which are pivotal to Ghana’s governance and cultural cohesion.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency and Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for his vetting on Tuesday. His session highlighted his depth of knowledge, strategic vision for local governance, and commitment to addressing critical challenges in decentralization and development.

During the vetting, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of fostering effective collaboration between Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). He stated, “The success of our local governance system hinges on strong partnerships between MPs and MMDCEs. Together, we can deliver development that meets the needs of our communities.”

The Minister-designate outlined his plans to enhance local economies by leveraging the unique resources of districts across the country. He expressed a commitment to creating jobs and improving livelihoods, saying, “Every district in Ghana has something unique to offer. We must identify and maximize these comparative advantages to drive sustainable development.”

Ibrahim also reflected on lessons from previous government programs, including the District Response Initiative Program (D.R.I.P.), which he acknowledged had faced challenges due to politicization. “While D.R.I.P. was a strong concept, its potential was undermined by partisanship. Moving forward, we must ensure that developmental programs are insulated from political biases to achieve their intended objectives,” he noted.

The vetting session provided insight into Ibrahim’s practical approach to governance and his vision for addressing systemic challenges in local government, chieftaincy, and religious affairs. His responses demonstrated a clear understanding of the ministry’s complex mandate and a commitment to fostering cohesion at all levels of government.

As Parliament deliberates on the recommendations from the Appointments Committee, Ahmed Ibrahim’s performance at the vetting has been described as a strong indication of his readiness to lead. If approved, he will assume a key role in advancing Ghana’s decentralization agenda, strengthening traditional authority structures, and promoting interfaith harmony.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)