“The University of Local Governance and Development Bill, 2025 will soon be presented to Parliament after Cabinet consideration.”

With this announcement, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), set the agenda at the 7th Congregation of the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) held on Saturday, 30th August 2025, at Ogbojo in Accra.

The Minister explained that the upgrade will give ILGS the status of a specialised degree-awarding institution with strategic national importance, deepening Ghana’s decentralisation process. He praised the Institute for its role in training local government officials, producing research for policy, and strengthening governance structures since its establishment.

Commending the graduands for their resilience, Hon. Ibrahim urged them to become “ambassadors of integrity, leadership and service excellence,” contributing their expertise to local and national development.

The event, which also featured the Chairman of the ILGS Governing Council, Dr. William Ahadzie, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP), Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, and Director of ILGS, Prof. Nicholas Awortwi, followed the 2nd Memorial Biennial Lecture in honour of the Institute’s founding director, Prof. Samuel Nunoo Woode.

The 7th Congregation not only celebrated academic achievement but also highlighted ILGS’ future as a key driver of Ghana’s decentralisation and governance reforms.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)

Switzerland’s National Day was commemorated in Accra on Friday, 29th August 2025, with a reception hosted by the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger, at the Swiss Residence.

Among the dignitaries present was the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, who joined the celebration as a mark of solidarity and to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Switzerland. His participation highlighted the value the Government of Ghana places on its cooperation with Switzerland, particularly in areas of governance, decentralisation, and sustainable development.

In her address, Ambassador Giger reaffirmed her country’s commitment to Ghana’s democratic journey, citing support for constitutional review, energy transition, and climate resilience. She underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing inclusive growth and stronger institutions.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic community, government officials, business leaders, and development partners in a colourful evening that celebrated friendship, culture, and the deepening of bilateral relations between Ghana and Switzerland.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)

The 2nd Prof. S. N. Woode Memorial Lecture held at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), Ogbojo, on Friday, 29th August 2025, became a strong platform for reflecting on ethics and professionalism in Ghana’s governance system.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said the legacy of the late Professor Samuel Nunoo Woode offers timeless lessons on integrity, accountability, and service to humanity.

“Professor Woode was not only a scholar of Public Administration and Ethics but a man who lived by the very principles he taught. For him, ethics was not theory—it was a way of life. Any erosion of ethical values in public service weakens democracy and undermines development,” the Minister observed.

Hon. Ibrahim commended ILGS for its continuous role in building capacity for local governance but urged the Institute to deepen its training programmes on ethics and values. He emphasised that professionalism without ethics risks arrogance and abuse, while ethics without professionalism can lead to inefficiency.

The Minister also expressed concern that despite anti-corruption laws and parliamentary oversight, integrity challenges remain. “If we cannot comply with basic rules and ethics, the cost of running government becomes unmanageable. How do we inspire the next generation to embrace ethics when we fail to lead by example?” he asked.

He urged stakeholders to strengthen professional development for local government officials, uphold ethical standards that safeguard against corruption and abuse of office, and rebuild public trust by making ethics and professionalism the foundation of governance.

“Our journey towards better governance is a lengthy process, not a quick one,” Hon. Ibrahim concluded. “Let us honour the memory of Prof. Samuel Nunoo Woode not only with our words but with our actions.”

The memorial lecture, instituted in 2023, seeks to celebrate the life and contributions of Prof. Woode, a champion of ethics, professionalism, and decentralisation in Ghana’s public administration.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)