The Ministry for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD) in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance and the UN Habitat, has convened an orientation workshop at AH Hotel for the initial beneficiary Metropolitan and Municipal District Assemblies (MMDAs) of the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Abdulai Abanga, Deputy Minister in a speech read on behalf of the sector Minister, Hon. Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, commended the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly for their exemplary leadership as a pioneering example of sustainable urban development through the utilization of SDG Cities and and People-centered Smart Cities approaches, which has paved the way for nine additional MMDAs to join the programme.

“Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2016 is evident through our robust processes and partnerships,” Hon. Abanga stated. “The Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of sustainable development, demonstrating our dedication to transforming urban spaces.”

The Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme, a flagship initiative of the UN-Habitat and its member states, aims to enhance local-level delivery of Agenda 2030 through data collection, analysis, and incentivized SDG Certification.

Supported by the Government of Norway, the programme will be implemented in ten cities and districts, aligning seamlessly with Ghana’s development plans.

Key cities involved in the programme include Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Tamale, Obuasi, Techiman, Kyebi, Dzodze, Wenchi, and Elmina. The initiative focuses on improving evidence-based planning, strengthening local institutions, digitizing government services, and preparing a pipeline of projects for financing through the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the private sector.

“We are at a pivotal moment in our development journey,” Hon. Abanga emphasized. “This programme is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about reimagining our urban spaces to prioritize the well-being of our citizens and the health of our planet.”

The Deputy Minister called on all participants to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. As Ghana embarks on this transformative journey, the Smart SDG Cities Programme promises to create smarter, more inclusive, and resilient cities, setting a new standard for sustainable urban development.

Source : Darling Maame Efua Cann & Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit, MLGDRD)

Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), has embarked on a two-day working visit to the Northern and Upper East Regions to inspect ongoing projects under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project and the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP).

On the first day of the tour, Minister Adjei-Mensah Korsah visited several project sites, including the Sagnarigu Livestock Market, Nanumba CHPS Compound, Sagnerigu Lockable Stores and a storey building, Azogbeli Astro Turf Park, and Yendi lockable stores at the Central Market.

During his inspections in Azogbeli, Sagnerigu, and Yendi, the Minister reviewed the progress of the work and engaged with the contractors. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress and urged the contractors to expedite the completion of the projects for the benefit of the local communities.

The local chiefs, representing their communities, were grateful to the government for initiating and supporting these developmental projects. They highlighted the positive impact these projects have had on their daily lives and the overall well-being of their communities.

Continuing his tour on the second day, the Minister visited the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly and the Tempane District in the Upper East Region.

At Tempane, he praised the impressive progress of a newly constructed culvert linking the Gbengbeman, Kpalsako, Nipabra, Tinbun, Tafakpan, and Charpinin communities, which has improved accessibility, especially during the rainy season.

"We are grateful to the government for this culvert as we had to swim to cross from one community to the other during the rainy season," said Zuwera, a community beneficiary.

In Bolgatanga Atolisum Municipal, the Minister inspected a newly completed three-unit classroom block with an office and a four-seater KVIP. Additionally, he reviewed a completed CHPS Compound at Kassena Atibabisi Nankana East. He commended these projects' impact on the local population, enhancing education and healthcare facilities.

Hon. Korsah reiterated the Government's commitment to bringing more sub-projects under the SOCO initiative to the District, saying, "The government will continue to bring more sub-projects under SOCO to the District to make life easy for the people of Tempane," he stated.

According to him, the Government is pleased with the tangible improvements the projects have brought to the people's lives.

The visit underscores the government's dedication to fostering regional development and improving the quality of life for its citizens through targeted infrastructure projects.

Source:  Matilda Tettey & Rhodalene Abba
                Public Relations Unit, MLGDRD

Over three decades of practicing decentralisation under the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), some significant successes have been chalked which has improved decentralised planning and social accountability, improved service delivery, popular participation, local economic development at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

It has also enhanced legal and regulatory frameworks and composite budgeting among many others in MMDAs.

The acknowledgment came during a five-day study tour by a delegation from Ethiopia to Ghana to understudy the country’s local government system.

The 28-member Ethiopian delegation commended the Ghana’s local government system especially decentralisation and social accountability. They were hopeful replicating it in Ethiopia would go a long way to improve their socio-economic development.

Present at the meeting were some directors from the ministry, the 28-member delegation from Ethiopia and some other staff from the Ministry.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah
              Public Relations Unit, MLGDRD