The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with traditional authorities to advance national development and preserve cultural heritage.

This was echoed by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, in a welcome Addressshe  delivered on behalf of the sector Minister , Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim on when the Volta Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama.

She  noted that the meeting with the Traditional Authorities symbolized government’s continued engagement with, and importance it attached to the chieftaincy institution , stating that this partnership is  rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision of peace, development, and cultural integrity.

 She observed  that , the Volta Regional House of Chiefs have consistently played a pivotal role in land administration, social cohesion, and spiritual leadership, adding that their stewardship remains a vital pillar for the people of the region and the country at large.

She  was particularly excited about the presence of the Chiefs at the seat of government, stating that this reflects  their  keen interest in governance and readiness to collaborate with government to advance socio-economic development in the region.

Hon. Sowah extended the ministry’s appreciation to the chiefs for their continuous contributions and assured them of the government’s readiness to listen and work together for sustained development, while expressing hope for a fruitful and forward-looking engagement.

The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV expressed their appreciation to the President and the Ministry for making time to welcome them and also for taking keen interest in the  development of the region, stating that like Oliva Twist, they would want the President to look into the Asikuma -Sogakope-Juapong inland security post which was becoming a worry to road users.

He also spoke about the need for government to support with funding to train newly inaugurated traditional council members in the region as the numbers were huge. He touched on the enhancement  of the Allied Health University, and appealed for more health professionals , specifically doctors to be posted to the region.

This interaction forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to empower the Chieftaincy institution  in line with national governance and development goals

Source : Chantal Aidoo , Public Relations Unit -MLGCRA

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has organized a specialized training program for newly inaugurated Traditional Council Members of the Zuarungu Traditional Area. This is part of efforts to deepen the understanding of Chieftaincy administration, by providing the President of the Council and his members a broader knowledge of the office.

The training is designed to equip the chiefs with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, administrative, and judicial structures that govern chieftaincy affairs in Ghana. It also aims to clarify their roles and responsibilities within the Traditional Council system, aligning them with the national governance structure.

In an address delivered on behalf of the Chief Director for the Ministry by Director responsible for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Baafi Nsiah, he indicated that the training is in fulfilment of the ministry's mandate to ensure they give their key stakeholders the requisite skill to enable them execute their mandate as a Council.

According to him, the training will build the administrative and governance capacities of the newly inducted chiefs, emphasizing the crucial role of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance and cultural framework.

"Traditional leadership remains a vital part of Ghana’s governance and cultural architecture," the Chief Director noted. "As custodians of our customs, land, and heritage, you play a critical role in sustaining peace, promoting unity, and fostering development in our communities." He further noted that the structure of Traditional Council falls under the Regional House and the National House as the base.

 According to the Chief Director, whilst it is the responsibility of government to provide funds for the effective running of the office of the Traditional Councils, the Councils, with support from the Registrars, are not barred from soliciting for funds from donors and development partners to complete or establish developmental projects. 

The Chief Director added that the President of the Traditional Council, per the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759 ), is to work hand -in- hand with the Traditional Council Registrar and other civil service staff for administrative work, such as the establishment of committees, to be carried out smoothly.

Participants were urged to embrace the responsibilities that come with their new roles—promoting harmony, ensuring fairness, resolving disputes using customary law, and collaborating with local government structures such as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

“As newly inducted members, you are stepping into a space that demands not only leadership and wisdom but also integrity, fairness, and accountability,” the Chief Director said, encouraging active participation and knowledge sharing throughout the session.

For his part, the President of the Zuarungu Traditional Council, Naba Bilea-Namalteng, expressed his appreciation to government for the timely training , appealing for it to be done often, probably on quarterly or annual intervals.

He urged the council members to make good use of the new skills and knowledge they have acquired and work effectively with the  Staff of the council to promote peace , reduce conflict and increase socio-economic development in the area.

Source : Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

In line with the Local Government Act 2016, (Act 936), the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has formally inaugurated the Sixth Local Government Service Council, with a call on council members to drive transformation in local governance and public service delivery.

In his inaugural address on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 at the Ministry's conference room, the sector Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, noted that the inauguration of the Council was a reaffirmation of the President’s commitment to revitalizing local governance system to deliver results and promote inclusion.

 He indicated that the Local Government Service is the frontline of development, as it always deals with the people at the grassroot and are thus able to transmit feedback to shape policy development that reflect the aspirations of citizens.

In congratulating the members on their appointment, Hon. Ibrahim expressed government's confidence in their capacity to elevate the Local Government Service to greater heights. The Council is chaired by Ambassador Akua Sena Dansua (a former M.P, Minister, and Ambassador).

The Minister reminded them of their statutory mandate as stated in the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), to ensure the effective administration of the decentralized local government system and charged them to promote professionalism, accountability, and measurable performance across the service, noting that a responsive and well-trained workforce is key to modernizing local government.

While recognizing the high expectations despite the increasing complexities in the local governance system, the Minister called for integrity, strategic collaboration, and openness in the execution of their duty as the Sixth Local Government Service Council. He encouraged the Council to forge strong partnerships with institutions and development partners, stressing that a united front will make local government a true engine for national transformation.

Hon. Ibrahim further urged the Council to build on the legacy of their predecessors but exceed it in innovation and impact. He pledged the Ministry’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Council to address challenges and strengthen service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Chairperson, Amb. Akua Sena Dansua, acknowledged the challenges involved in the system, but assured President John Dramani Mahama that the Council will provide the requisite support, guidance and advice to drive the decentralisation mandate and make Ghanaians proud.

She was of the view that the Council's job is daunting, however, with the experience , expertise as well as the rich and diverse background of the council members, they will work assiduously to make the appointing authority proud, and Ghanaians happy.

The Sixth Service Council , also includes the following as members;   Audrey  Smock Amosa PhD (National Development Planning Commission), Prof Nicholas Awortwi (Institute of Local Government Studies),  Inusah Shirazu (Ministry of Education), Koku Awoonor -Williams (MD, PhD, Ministry of Health). Other members are: Prof. Lord Mensah (Office of Head of Local Government Service), Michael Harry Yamson (District Assembly Common Fund), Amin Abdul -Rahaman (Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs), Alfred Askedy Adjei (National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana), Mahmood Shakil Kpedau (Local Government Workers' Union) and Buipewura Mahama Abdulai Jinapor II ()National House of Chiefs.

The rest are Christopher Kwaku Dapaah, Richard Fiadomor PhD, Nubyl Kakra Vanlare and Mary Ampong.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA