The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) through the Green Cities, Infrastructure, and Energy Programme (GCIEP) to advance sustainable urban development in Ghana. The affirmation came during a courtesy call by Simon Stevens, the head of GCIEP, and his delegation to the Ministry on Monday, 11th August 2025.

The meeting, held at the Ministry aimed to review progress on key interventions under the GCIEP, including the finalized Urban Baseline Study and the near-complete Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for the draft revised National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan. Discussions also focused on strategies to deepen collaboration between both parties to ensure inclusive, resilient, and well-governed urban spaces across the country.

In her remarks, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP), warmly welcomed the delegation led by Simon Stevens, Head of GCIEP, FCDO. She commended the UK Government’s continued support, describing the visit as “a testament to the growing partnership” between both institutions in addressing Ghana’s urban development needs.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the Urban Baseline Study, finalised in May 2025, provides vital data to inform future planning and interventions in urban areas. She further noted that the M&E Framework, once finalised, will serve as an essential tool to track the effective implementation of the revised National Urban Policy after its approval by Cabinet.

Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah also appealed for the UK FCDO’s continued technical and financial support, particularly for the implementation of the capacity-building plan developed under the GCIEP. The plan is designed to equip technical staff with the necessary skills and resources to effectively execute the Urban Policy, with a call for dedicated funding to ensure sustainability.

Representatives of the GCIEP delegation expressed their readiness to maintain and enhance cooperation with the Ministry, acknowledging the shared vision of promoting sustainable and well-planned urban growth in Ghana. They pledged to explore new avenues for collaboration and support in line with the Ministry’s priorities.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to launching and disseminating the revised National Urban Policy and M&E Framework in the near future, marking another milestone in Ghana-UK cooperation towards sustainable urban governance.

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) on Monday, 4th August 2025, under the leadership of Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, today held a strategic engagement with the Decentralisation Sector Working Group (DSWG) to review and fine-tune the draft National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy (2026–2030).

The high-level session forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing consultative process to ensure that the policy document is technically sound, contextually relevant, and broadly aligned with Ghana’s decentralisation and local governance objectives.

The meeting focused on the six key pillars of the draft policy; Political Decentralisation, Administrative Decentralisation, Fiscal Decentralisation, Local Economic Development, Popular Participation, and Accountable Governance. These thematic areas are central to Ghana’s agenda of empowering local governments, enhancing service delivery, and promoting inclusive development.

Participants also examined cross-cutting issues that must be integrated into the implementation of the strategy, including mindset and behavioural change, technological innovation, gender inclusivity, climate change, and the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Programme, which aims to expand economic productivity and access to services around the clock.

In his remarks, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to a transformative and responsive decentralisation framework. “The National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy must go beyond institutional reform, it must speak to the aspirations of Ghanaians for inclusive governance, local prosperity, and resilient communities,” he stated.

The Decentralisation Sector Working Group, made up of key stakeholders from government, development partners, civil society, and academia, lauded the Ministry’s inclusive approach and provided valuable inputs to strengthen the content and structure of the draft document.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)

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