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

Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has underscored the importance of youth empowerment as a tool to combat the increasing youth drug abuse at the La Traditional Area and its environs.

Speaking under the theme “Empowering Ghanaian Youth: Breaking the Chains of Drug Abuse through Cultural Heritage and Community Support,” at the 2025 Afrimi Yam Festival on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 at Abese La - Adonten, a sub-burb of Accra, she hailed the role of traditional festivals in shaping societal values and rebuilding stronger communities.  She stressed that the time was a perfect one for the Chiefs and people of La to stand firm and support the young ones in the area.

According to her, “festivals like Afrimi are not just celebrations, they are platforms for reflection, education, and renewal. Through dance, storytelling, and rites, we instill discipline, resilience, and pride in our youth and these are tools to resist the pull of substance abuse.”

Hon. Sowah commended Abese La‑Adonten Mantse, Nii Kwade Okropong I, for his transformational leadership and dedication to cultural progress, adding that the fight against drug abuse is a shared responsibility among traditional leaders, faith-based institutions, educators, and parents.

She used the opportunity to comment on some of government's flagship programmes geared at boosting local economic development, reaffirming government’s commitment to the “National Reset Agenda” and the 24-Hour Economy Strategy.

 The Deputy Minister outlined some key initiatives aimed at empowering young people, like the Youth Resource Centres across all sixteen regions to provide counselling, training, and recreation; Expanded vocational, digital, and entrepreneurial programmes; labour law reforms for youth-friendly workspaces; and the Increased youth participation in local governance.

 She emphasized that the initiatives  are not just interventions, rather, they are bold investments in the future of the youth, and urged the Chiefs and people to take advantage of it, stating that most of the young people engaging in the drug menace could be re-oriented and given employable skills to help reduce the scourge  of drug abuse.

She pledged the Ministry’s support in community-led youth development initiatives at the La Traditional Area, calling for closer collaboration between traditional authorities and government institutions.

Hon. Sowah also praised the Afrimi Festival Oversight Committee for its efforts in organising a well-structured, purpose-driven celebration, urging that the festival become a catalyst for a wider social movement.

She was  hopeful that the festival will unite and become a great force to enhance development in the area, stating that her appointment as the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs must bring unity among the chiefs in the La Traditional Area where she hails from.

Nii Kwade Okropong I used the occasion to appreciate and celebrate the Deputy Minister for her continuous support and contribution to the La Traditional Area. He gave her a citation and a plaque, in demonstration of how she has immensely contributed to her community over the years, giving her all to La and also making them proud with her appointment as the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Source : Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA