An Ethiopian delegation led by Eng. Wondimu Seta, City Manager of Addis Ababa in the rank of Deputy Mayor, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to engage in discussions on sanitation and sustainable waste management across the value chain.

The visit forms part of Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its sanitation systems through a partnership with the Jospong Group of Companies, which is spearheading a major initiative to transform Addis Ababa into a cleaner and more resilient city. The delegation’s mission to Ghana was therefore to assess and verify the company’s expertise, capacity, and track record, particularly in infrastructure, equipment, and operational processes given its experience in delivering waste management solutions across several African countries.

Addressing the Minister, Eng. Wondimu Seta underscored the urgency of investing in modern waste management solutions, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres where population increase continues to exert pressure on sanitation systems. He commended Ghana for the strides it has made in the sector, praising the landmark interventions and innovative contributions of Ghanaian waste management companies.

“Population growth demands proper and efficient waste management across the entire sanitation value chain. Ghana has demonstrated that African countries can develop homegrown solutions of international standard. It is time Africans rely on African capacity,” he said.

The Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed government’s pride in the accomplishments of local companies, whose expertise has positioned Ghana as a sanitation solutions hub on the continent. He emphasized that the achievement of the private sector has been key in driving progress, with Ghanaian companies standing out along the entire value chain. While highlighting these strides and landmark achievements, he stressed that more work remains to be done as a country and that there is always room for improvement.

He encouraged Ethiopia to remain steadfast in consolidating its sanitation gains, stressing that effective waste management is essential for maintaining the beauty and competitiveness of Addis Ababa’s tourism industry.

In closing, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim noted: “Sanitation is not the work of government alone. It is the result of deliberate collaboration between the state and a vibrant private sector. Our progress in Ghana is proof that when both sides play their roles with commitment and vision, the results can place Africa on the global stage.”

The meeting highlighted Ghana’s growing reputation in providing innovative sanitation solutions and reinforced the importance of regional cooperation in tackling Africa’s pressing urban challenges.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has commended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Madina, for its remarkable contributions to spiritual growth, education, and community development over the past six decades.

Speaking at the climax of the Church’s 60th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, the Minister, on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, extended heartfelt congratulations to the parish community for their enduring legacy of faith, service, and sacrifice since the church’s establishment in 1965.

“The role of the Church in national development cannot be overstated. Across the country, faith-based organisations, especially the Catholic Church, have made significant contributions to education, health care, moral guidance, peacebuilding, and community development,” Hon. Ibrahim noted.

The celebration, held under the theme “The Eucharist, Re-Evangelisation and the Youth”, was described by the Minister as both timely and profound, resonating with Ghana’s national priorities of spiritual renewal, responsible youth development, and communal peace.

He lauded the Church’s initiative to raise funds for an educational facility on its Abokobi land, describing it as aligned with government’s vision of promoting quality education. “This effort is commendable and supports the mission of raising future generations equipped with knowledge, values, and vision,” he added.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to empowering the youth, Hon. Ibrahim highlighted several programmes spearheaded under President Mahama, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Presidential Business Support Programme, the Greenhouse Initiative, the Student Entrepreneurship Initiative, and the Campus Business Pitch. He further revealed plans by his Ministry to implement 24-hour markets in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as part of the President’s 24-hour Economy initiative.

“These interventions are designed to ensure inclusivity, practical skills development, and sustained opportunities for our young people, while keeping the economy active around the clock,” he stressed.

Drawing inspiration from Colossians 3:23-24, the Minister reminded both government and religious leaders that true leadership is service rooted in love, compassion, and truth.

Hon. Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony P. Didongo, SMA, the Planning Committee chaired by Prof. Akwesi Mensah-Bonsu, and the entire parish for their warm hospitality. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Church, urging parishioners to remain steadfast in nurturing the youth as a bulwark against destructive influences.

“As you climax this year-long celebration, I pray that God continues to bless Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with divine favour, spiritual growth, and impactful service to society. Congratulations, and Happy 60th Anniversary,” he concluded.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has held a strategic meeting with the Ministry of Health to deliberate on the design and construction of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compounds across the country.

The engagement stems from the mandate of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) formula, which enjoins Assemblies to prioritize, among other development initiatives, the provision of CHPS Compounds to expand access to healthcare at the community level.

The discussions focused on developing standardized, cost-effective, and solution-driven designs that will strengthen healthcare delivery within Ghana’s local governance structures. The aim is to ensure that CHPS Compounds, which serve as the first point of contact for healthcare at the grassroots, are not only fit for purpose but also sustainable and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

Some draft designs were tabled during the meeting, with inputs from both Ministries to improve functionality, efficiency, and accessibility. The collaborative effort is expected to streamline the construction process across districts, reduce cost overruns, and guarantee that facilities delivered under the DACF directly contribute to government’s broader development agenda.

This partnership underscores government’s commitment to deepening inter-ministerial collaboration in pursuit of inclusive and equitable development, while ensuring that healthcare delivery at the local level receives the needed attention and innovation.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA