Following the launch of the Sustainable Cities Project (SCP) Phase I, the inaugural Project Oversight Committee (POC) meeting convened at the Mariam Hotel in Tamale. The meeting, a critical step toward the implementation of the SCP, was chaired by Mr. Divine Ayidzoe, who represented the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) Mr. Amin Abdul Rahaman.

In his address, Mr. Ayidzoe underscored the importance of the POC’s role in ensuring the success of the SCP, a project backed by a €14.7 million grant from the European Union.

Phase I of the project aims to improve urban sustainability in key northern cities;Tamale, Wa, Damongo, Nalerigu, Bolgatanga, and Yendi over the next five years.

"This committee holds a strategic position in steering the project’s direction and success. The decisions we make here today will have far-reaching impacts on urban development and the wellbeing of communities," said Mr. Ayidzoe during the session.

The POC, which consists of representatives from various Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and beneficiary Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), was formed to provide policy direction, monitor project progress, and ensure alignment with broader government programs and policies. Among the committee’s key mandates are the review and approval of annual work plans and budgets, evaluation of project performance, and guidance on critical decisions to ensure the project's coherence and effectiveness.

At the heart of the discussions during the meeting was the approval of the 2024/2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget, essential for setting the project in motion. Additionally, the meeting addressed the development of an Urban Observatory, an innovative tool designed to track critical urban sustainability indicators and monitor the project's long-term impact across the northern cities.

"The success of this project will depend on how well we collaborate, make informed decisions, and adapt to emerging challenges in urban management. Today’s discussions are vital in laying the foundation for sustainable urban development in these regions," Mr. Ayidzoe stressed.

Members of the committee also reviewed preliminary project indicators and provided input into the design of the Urban Observatory, which will serve as a key mechanism for data collection and analysis throughout the project’s lifespan.

The POC members were urged to maintain active engagement and a strong sense of ownership over the project. Their role in providing policy guidance and ensuring compliance with national and international standards was highlighted as a cornerstone of the project’s anticipated success.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Ghana has been commended for its exemplary decentralized governance system and significant strides in rural development, standing out as a model for African nations seeking to enhance local governance. This recognition followed a study tour by a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini, which aimed to draw lessons from Ghana's best practices.

The nine-member delegation, which included two ministers of state and other key officials, embarked on a week-long tour starting September 16, 2024, to explore Ghana’s local government system. The tour was part of Eswatini’s effort to strengthen its governance framework through insights from successful African counterparts.

The delegation expressed admiration for Ghana’s achievements in decentralization, particularly its robust policies aimed at empowering rural communities. Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, leader of the Eswatini delegation, emphasized that the lessons learned in Ghana would play a crucial role in shaping Eswatini’s approach to grassroots governance. Speaking on behalf of the team, Dlamini noted that Ghana’s commitment to decentralization is not only inspiring but also provides a practical blueprint for other African countries to follow.

Addressing the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the delegation lauded the country's achievements and acknowledged the critical role the Ministry has played in driving Ghana’s progress. They praised the Minister's leadership in creating an environment conducive to local governance and rural development, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people.

In response, Hon. Korsah expressed his appreciation for the commendations and underscored the importance of peer learning across African nations. He assured the Eswatini delegation of Ghana’s continued readiness to offer guidance as they work towards establishing a more inclusive and effective local government system in their country.

Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development through decentralization has cemented its status as a leader in local governance. By empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive development, the country continues to serve as a beacon of progress for other nations in Africa.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(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)