The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD) organised an orientation session on December 2, 2024, for its 2024/2025 National Service Personnel to familiarise the personnel with the Ministry’s functions, mission, vision, its institutions, agencies and staff.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, encouraged the service personnel to remain focused, resilient, disciplined, and productive throughout their time at the Ministry.

He also advised them to dress appropriately and maximise the opportunity to network with staff and colleagues.

Madam Priscilla Attipoe, Deputy Director in charge of the General Administration Directorate, briefed the personnel on the overview of the Ministry’s mission, vision, Allied Agencies, and Departments under the Ministry as well as the various, Units, and Directorates in the Ministry and the code of conducts and ethics of the Civil Service.

The session served as a platform to prepare the personnel for a productive service year while fostering a deeper understanding of the Ministry’s operations.

Source: Melody Hini-Amoako
MLGDRD Public Relations Unit

The Honorable Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, officially commissioned the newly revamped Thursday Market in Berekum under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP). The commissioning marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and improving the livelihoods of citizens.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community members, and development partners, particularly the World Bank, which provided a $245 million credit facility to fund the program. Initiated in 2019, the GSCSP is set to conclude in 2025, benefiting 35 municipalities across Ghana with infrastructure such as markets, transport terminals, pedestrian walkways, storm drains, and street electrification.

“Today, we celebrate progress,” the Minister remarked, highlighting the government’s resolve to tackle urban development challenges arising from Ghana's increasing urbanization. The country surpassed the 50% urbanization threshold in 2021, placing immense pressure on municipal assemblies to meet the growing demand for quality services.

The Berekum East Municipal Assembly has been a key beneficiary of the GSCSP, receiving capacity-building support and essential infrastructure development. The rehabilitated Thursday Market now boasts modern facilities, including a fire station, a police post, a meat shop, and other amenities that previously did not exist.

In addition, the project has revitalized the daily market, nearing completion, and enhanced the area’s road network through bituminous surfacing and street electrification. A new 300-seat conference facility and a commercial center are also among the transformative projects implemented in Berekum.

The Minister emphasized the economic and social benefits of the new market, describing it as a catalyst for improved livelihoods and a dignified environment for economic activity. He charged the Municipal Chief Executive to ensure the proper maintenance of the facilities to guarantee their long-term sustainability.

“Our commitment as a government is to deliver comprehensive urban service improvements that enhance the living standards of our people,” the Minister affirmed.

The event also shed light on the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), another government initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across all 261 districts. With the deployment of modern earth-moving equipment such as graders, bulldozers, and excavators, district assemblies are now better equipped to maintain their road networks efficiently.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Dormaa Ahenkro township witnessed a historic moment on November 18, 2024, as the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, officially commissioned a state-of-the-art transport terminal. This milestone is part of the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), a flagship initiative by the Government of Ghana.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and improving living conditions in municipalities across the country. The Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the GSCSP, which has been operational since 2019 with a credit facility of $245 million from the World Bank. The program is designed to strengthen the institutional capacity of 35 Municipal Assemblies and provide essential infrastructure, including roads, markets, and transport terminals.

The newly constructed transport terminal boasts modern facilities, including a fire station, police post, passenger lounge, security post, revenue office, a 20-seater WC toilet, and fully electrified pavements. The terminal has already eased congestion in the city center, improved vehicular movement, and created a safer and more efficient transport environment.

The Minister also commended the Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly for leveraging the program to deliver additional projects, such as road upgrades, market redevelopment, and street electrification. These interventions have not only boosted economic activities but also enhanced urban security and the aesthetic appeal of Dormaa at night.

Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah charged the Municipal Chief Executive to ensure the proper maintenance and sustainability of the facility. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the investments to ensure long-term benefits for the people of Dormaa.

The Minister expressed profound gratitude to traditional leaders, contractors, consultants, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the projects. He also acknowledged the World Bank’s unwavering support for Ghana’s urban sector over the past three decades, facilitating growth through technical assistance and infrastructure investments.

The commissioning event was a celebration of collaborative efforts, showcasing the government's dedication to improving urban life while reaffirming its commitment to meeting the needs of rapidly growing urban populations.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)