The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has called on government to accord the Chieftaincy Institution greater recognition as a critical stakeholder in national development.

Meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, at the Guggisberg Memorial Hall in Dodowa, the Chiefs, led by His Majesty King Prof. Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, Nungua Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, emphasized the need for deeper involvement of traditional authorities in governance and community transformation.

They also urged government to expedite the amendment of Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act to grant Chiefs greater authority in maintaining discipline and ensuring accountability within their jurisdictions.

Responding, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between traditional and local governance systems through the merger of the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs under the government’s “Reset Agenda.”

He said the merger is aimed at promoting coordination, eliminating overlaps, and enhancing the integration of traditional leadership in policy implementation at the local level. “Development at the local level cannot succeed without the active participation of Traditional Authorities,” he emphasized.

The Minister also appealed to Chiefs to partner with government in addressing Chieftaincy-related disputes in the Region, noting that peace and stability are vital to sustainable development.

He further underscored government’s renewed commitment to the National Sanitation Day (NSD) initiative, which seeks to empower Traditional Leaders to champion community participation and enforcement of sanitation by-laws.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, commended the engagement and called for stronger cooperation between the Ministry and the House of Chiefs, stressing that development thrives when government and traditional institutions work together.

Both sides pledged to strengthen their partnership in advancing peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the Greater Accra Region.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit

Gyeongju, Republic of Korea – The 2nd Global Ministerial Saemaul Meeting and Global Saemaul Leadership Meeting concluded with a farewell dinner, bringing together ministers, leaders, and delegates from across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and South Korea.

The evening gathering provided a warm and reflective close to the four-day programme, which featured high-level ministerial sessions, leadership forums, and seminars on community-led development. Delegates shared final moments of camaraderie and reaffirmed their commitment to returning home to implement the lessons and strategies drawn from the Saemaul Undong spirit of diligence, self-help, and cooperation.

The farewell dinner served not only as a gesture of appreciation but also as a call to action, urging participants to translate the outcomes of the forum into transformative initiatives within their respective countries.

With renewed energy and strengthened partnerships, delegates departed Gyeongju resolved to expand the reach of Saemaul-inspired development and contribute to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities worldwide.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA Public Relations Unit

On the final day of the 2nd Global Ministerial Saemaul Meeting and Global Saemaul Leadership Meeting, delegates embarked on a cultural and historical tour to round off the week’s engagements.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, joined fellow ministers and leaders for a guided visit to President Park’s History and Presidential Library and Museum. The visit offered participants a deeper appreciation of Korea’s journey of transformation and the historical roots that shaped the Saemaul Undong movement.

Delegates explored exhibitions that chronicled Korea’s path from post-war recovery to rapid development, highlighting the values of resilience, innovation, and collective spirit that continue to inspire global cooperation through the Saemaul model.

The site visit provided not only a reflective close to the four-day programme but also a meaningful reminder of how history and leadership can shape the trajectory of nations.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA Public Relations Unit