The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has held strategic engagement meetings with officials managing key projects under the Ministry, aimed at assessing progress, enhancing coordination, and charting sustainable pathways for national development.

The sessions, held from 5th to 9th May 2025, brought together Coordinators and Technical Leads of major initiatives including the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP), Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihoods Improvement Project (GASSLIP), Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA), Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID), and the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP).

In his remarks, the Hon. Minister emphasized the Ministry’s renewed focus on integrated, community-led, and impact-driven development. He praised the dedication of implementing teams and encouraged stronger cross-sector collaboration to maximise the gains made so far.

Under GAPTE, discussions centered on optimizing public transport operations to serve as a backbone for accessible and affordable urban mobility. For GASSLIP and GAMA, both focused on sanitation and health, significant milestones have been recorded in expanding access to household and institutional sanitation, rehabilitating wastewater systems, and introducing sustainable solid waste solutions in the Greater Accra and Kumasi metropolitan areas.

The Minister also commended the achievements under GSCSP and GARID in strengthening municipal systems and delivering infrastructure improvements in fast-growing urban areas. Additionally, SOCO and GPSNP were recognised for their critical role in social cohesion, safety nets, and inclusive development, especially in vulnerable communities.

The week-long engagements formed part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and sustainable outcomes across all ongoing projects.

The Hon. Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting each initiative to reach its full potential and contribute meaningfully to the national development agenda.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

A high-level delegation of traditional leaders from Namibia has paid a working visit to Ghana to deepen understanding and foster collaboration on governance, land management, and community development. The six-member delegation, led by Chief Immanuel Gaseb, Chairperson of the Namibia Traditional Authority Council, arrived in Accra on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

The visit focused on Ghana’s integration of traditional leadership into the national governance structure, particularly its role in sustainable development, local economic empowerment, and land administration. The delegation held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) and engaged with selected Paramount Chiefs to explore how traditional institutions in Ghana are actively involved in addressing community needs and promoting inclusive growth.

One of the key areas of interest was Ghana’s management of stool lands and the role of the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands in mobilizing royalties and internal funds to support development. The delegation sought to learn how traditional authorities participate in investment opportunities and leverage natural resources to promote rural economic growth.

The delegation also studied Ghana’s land tenure and dispute resolution systems; areas where traditional leaders in both countries play pivotal roles. The Namibian chiefs were keen to identify effective and adaptable land governance practices that ensure equitable access and sustainable use.

To support the visit, MLGCRA presented a detailed overview of Ghana’s chieftaincy structure, showcasing how traditional leadership is woven into the country’s governance fabric. This presentation highlighted the active role traditional leaders play in policymaking, dispute resolution, local development, and national cohesion.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, described the visit as timely and strategic, reinforcing South-South cooperation and mutual learning. “This is more than a study tour, it’s a shared opportunity to build knowledge and strengthen collaboration on how traditional institutions can be drivers of development,” he stated.

The Namibian delegation expressed appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality and depth of experience, noting that the visit offered practical insights to support ongoing reforms in Namibia’s traditional governance and rural development sectors.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)