On March 19, 2025, a delegation from the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) paid a courtesy call on Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), to discuss ongoing environmental initiatives and future collaboration.

The KEITI delegation, led by Dr. Hong Seok Kim, Chief Representative of KEITI’s Ghana office, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. Since opening its office in Ghana in April 2024, KEITI has been working closely with various Ghanaian ministries, particularly with the erstwhile Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), to address critical environmental issues. Dr. Kim highlighted the importance of continued cooperation to tackle waste management challenges and foster sustainable development in Ghana.

The delegation shared details about the upcoming Korea-Africa Environmental Cooperation Forum, which will be held in June 2025. This forum will bring together 80 participants from six African countries and South Korea, creating an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on environmental matters. KEITI requested the Ministry’s support and participation in the event, which is expected to strengthen ties between Ghana and South Korea in the field of environmental sustainability.

Discussions also covered the progress of ongoing projects, including the feasibility studies for integrated solid waste management facilities in five coastal cities: Takoradi, Cape Coast, Accra, Tema, and Keta. These projects aim to develop sustainable waste management systems in Ghana’s urban centers.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim thanked the KEITI delegation for their ongoing partnership and emphasized the importance of the Pre-feasibility Study on Textile Waste Recycling, launched in November 2024. This study is addressing the growing concern of textile waste and will provide valuable insights into the potential for recycling in Ghana and across the African continent.

The Minister reiterated Ghana’s commitment to establishing a circular economy and becoming a leader in sustainable waste management in West Africa. He also announced plans for a regional workshop on waste management and circular economy practices, set to take place in Accra in August 2025.

Hon. Ibrahim assured the KEITI delegation that the Ministry is committed to furthering its cooperation with KEITI and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s waste management systems and environmental sustainability efforts. He expressed optimism that this partnership will continue to generate meaningful outcomes for both countries.

Ghana is taking bold steps to integrate traditional leadership into modern governance structures, drawing insights from Spain’s experiences. During a meeting between Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Ángel Losada, the two discussed ways to enhance local governance, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships.

Hon. Ibrahim emphasized Ghana’s commitment to strengthening local governance by ensuring traditional authorities play a more structured role in national development. He noted that Spain’s approach to managing historical and cultural institutions within governance frameworks could offer valuable lessons for Ghana.

Ambassador Losada reaffirmed Spain’s readiness to collaborate with Ghana in these areas, particularly in decentralization, tourism, and infrastructure. He highlighted Spain’s expertise in local economic development and expressed interest in supporting Ghana through technical assistance and capacity-building programs.

The two leaders also acknowledged the importance of cultural and economic ties in strengthening bilateral relations. Hon. Ibrahim stressed that cultural exchanges between Ghana and Spain could foster deeper understanding and enrich both nations’ heritage. He further noted that Ghana values religious tolerance and unity, areas where Spain’s experiences could provide useful guidance.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to exploring new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in governance, economic development, and cultural diplomacy. Hon. Ibrahim expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-Spain relations and the potential for meaningful cooperation in the years ahead.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/ Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Fourth Progress Meeting for the Improvement and Construction of six junctions under the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) was convened to review the current status of work, address challenges, and plan next steps for the ongoing project.

During the meeting, the progress made at the six selected junctions within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) was discussed. These include Mambo Junction in Ga Central, Otublohum Road/Obibini Street Intersection in Accra, Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street Intersection in Tema, Ashongman Road/Alafia Road Intersection in Ga East, Three Junction in Ga West, and Ogbojo New Market Intersection in Adentan and La Nkwantanang Madina.

At the time of the meeting, work at Mambo Junction in Ga Central was 65% complete, Otublohum Road/Obibini Street Intersection in Accra was 50.7% complete, Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street Intersection in Tema was 60% complete, Ashongman Road/Alafia Road Intersection in Ga East was 34.2% complete, Three Junction in Ga West was 49.93% complete, and Ogbojo New Market Intersection in Adentan and La Nkwantanang Madina was 44.3% complete. The meeting emphasized the steady progress of the project, with many of the junctions nearing the halfway mark.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Ministry of Finance, Department of Urban Roads (DUR), the supervising consultant DaovTech Design Group, the Metropolitan Assemblies, and contractors.

The attendees discussed the importance of adhering to quality standards and timelines to ensure the project's successful completion, particularly in improving urban mobility and addressing long-standing traffic congestion and safety issues within GAMA.

The next progress meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 16th April 2025, where further developments will be reviewed, and measures will be taken to keep the project on track.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)