Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, has officially commissioned state-of-the-art market facilities in Techiman South and Nkoranza South Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies.

 These projects, are being implemented under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP) through a $245 million World Bank facility, aimed to boost local economies and provide essential services to market users.

 Techiman South Metropolitan Assembly: Nana Abena Market

The newly completed Nana Abena Market in Techiman now features an array of facilities designed to serve both vendors and the broader community.

The Highlights of the project include; 122 lockable stores and 68 market stalls to accommodate diverse commercial activities.

Key service structures, including an administration block, creche, restaurant, and dedicated meat shop.

Critical safety and health infrastructure, with a new fire post, police post, and health post on site.

Enhanced sanitation through modern washrooms and an integrated drainage system, comprising 300 meters of 0.9-meter U-drain, 710 meters of 0.6-meter U-drain, and 900 meters of internal drainage.

Additional improvements include a 100-meter road junction upgrade, 1,900 square meters of paved walkways, perimeter fencing for security, and 28 streetlights to ensure safety and accessibility throughout the market area.

Nkoranza Municipal Assembly: Nkoranza New Market and Community Enhancements

In Nkoranza, the development features a two-storey block with 50 lockable stores and 100 market stalls, designed to expand local commerce. Other key facilities include:

Police and health posts to ensure a safe trading environment.

A 6-seater WC facility, along with two mechanized boreholes for consistent water supply.

A two-unit creche with an office to support families using the market.

 Strengthening Local Economies through Modern Infrastructure

Speaking at the commissioning, Hon. Korsah emphasized the transformative impact of these facilities. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to creating vibrant, resilient communities. By modernizing our markets and improving infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and supporting local livelihoods.”

He encouraged municipal authorities to maintain these facilities and ensure they continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve. The projects reflect the Ministry’s dedication to sustainable urban development in partnership with the World Bank and local stakeholders, bolstering economic resilience in Ghana’s secondary cities.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann and Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

At the GrEEn Project close-out event in Accra, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman in a speech read on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, addressed an audience on the achievements of a project that has transformed communities across the Ashanti and Western Regions. The GrEEn Project, funded by the European Union and led by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), has provided job opportunities, supported sustainable infrastructure, and equipped thousands with skills in climate-sensitive development.

The GrEEn Project began with a goal to reduce irregular migration by providing sustainable, green jobs and strengthening local economies. Launched to address economic challenges and build climate resilience, the project targeted young people, women, and returning migrants. By engaging Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) as key project partners, GrEEn worked directly within communities to address their unique needs and potential.

“Through this project, we’ve built something valuable—jobs and skills that communities can use to grow their local economies and be better prepared for climate challenges,” Mr. Abdul-Rahaman said. “This is the foundation of Ghana Beyond Aid.”

With over 2,300 jobs created, GrEEn trained more than 800 government officials in planning for climate-sensitive development. These officials now bring a sustainability perspective to local planning, a practice that helps their communities prepare for and mitigate climate impacts. Local government staff were also trained to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing financial education, digital tools, and formal business practices for local entrepreneurs, many of whom are women.

The Head of Ghana’s Local Government Service, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, commended the project for aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and Ghana’s long-term commitment to self-sustaining economic growth. “GrEEn has shown us that with the right partnerships and tools, we can build our local economies and create jobs right here in Ghana,” he said.

At the close of the event, Mr. Abdul-Rahaman appealed for further support to continue the GrEEn Project’s work, including expanding its benefits to new regions. By focusing on local communities and sustainable practices, the GrEEn Project has laid the groundwork for a greener, more resilient Ghana—one that grows opportunities for its people close to home. Give a new headline for this news story. very very straight to the point and let it be relevant to the content of the news story. The project has wrapped up, successes highlighted, calls for a new phase. produce only the headline

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann, Stephanie Edem Klutsey and Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in partnership with the German government through the German Development Corporation (GIZ), has further cemented its commitment to decentralisation reforms in Ghana. This was demonstrated during the official launch of SECO’s contribution to the Participation Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme on September 18, 2024, in Accra.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) hosted the event, which saw key stakeholders from Ghana, Switzerland, and Germany come together to discuss the implementation of the PAIReD programme. Central to these discussions were improving the inter-governmental fiscal framework, enhancing local-level data management and land-use planning, and strengthening accountability in governance.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the government of Germany and Switzerland was commended for their consistent support toward Ghana’s decentralisation agenda. The minister emphasized that this collaborative effort would help achieve the PAIReD programme’s ambitious goals, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all partners.

Dr. Dirk Assman, Country Director of GIZ, highlighted the importance of joint efforts, noting that the collaboration between stakeholders would drive significant achievements in participatory governance and accountability. He remarked, “Together we will accomplish some remarkable achievements as part of our cooperation.”

Also speaking at the event, David Collison, Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Finance, stressed the importance of accountability in fostering trust between the government and its citizens. He acknowledged that the successful implementation of the PAIReD programme would rely heavily on the active engagement of development partners, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

The PAIReD programme aims to create a governance framework that is efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of the people. Key areas of focus include participatory planning, budgeting, improved data management, land-use management, and enhancing accountability in the inter-governmental fiscal system. These efforts are expected to contribute to good governance and sustainable development in Ghana.

The launch event was attended by representatives from the Local Government Ministry, the German Embassy, the Swiss Embassy, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders. With renewed enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of the PAIReD programme, participants left the event equipped to drive accountable governance and foster resilient democracy in Ghana.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)