The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), in partnership with the World Bank, has completed a Mid-Term Review Mission of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project an important milestone to assess implementation, address gaps, and chart the way forward.

Since its inception, the SOCO Project has made measurable progress. Over 6,600 subprojects, including water systems, markets, schools, and health facilities have been delivered across Ghana’s northern border regions, with over 42,000 jobs created. These investments are strengthening both infrastructure and community cohesion in fragile areas.

The review focused on key thematic areas: project performance, financial management, sustainability of completed works, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and safeguards. The World Bank team commended the project’s physical achievements but expressed concern over a few issues. The Ministry assured the Bank of its ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Finance to resolve the funding gap.

Other areas highlighted include the need for better inter-ministerial collaboration to operationalize completed assets, improve M&E structures, and ensure proper documentation on land tenure to secure project sites. The World Bank encouraged continued attention to environmental and social safeguards, though no major red flags were reported.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reiterated that the SOCO Project remains a national priority, emphasizing that the initiative belongs to the people of Ghana.

In his official closing remarks, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, commended the partnership and called for practical, coordinated efforts to protect the integrity of the project. He stressed the urgency of resolving the financing gap to avoid reputational risk and delay in delivering impact to beneficiary communities. He also urged all parties to move beyond talk and take action:

The Mid-Term Review concludes with both Government and the World Bank aligned in purpose to deliver on the promise of SOCO and secure sustainable development outcomes for the northern regions.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

 (Public Relations Unit-MLGCRA)

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, received a working visit from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government as part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities under Order 243 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and the Committee, reviewing key programmes, and identifying strategic areas for support to enhance decentralization, improve service delivery, and address emerging challenges in local governance, chieftaincy, and religious affairs.

In his remarks, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, underscored the importance of aligning policy direction with parliamentary oversight to promote efficiency and transparency. He announced plans by the Ministry to organise a sector-specific retreat for members of the Committee to provide a more in-depth understanding of the Ministry’s operations, structure, and institutional mandates.

The Minister emphasized that such engagements will not only improve parliamentary dialogue but also strengthen the effectiveness of both institutions in meeting the needs of citizens. He called for constructive collaboration and mutual accountability as key ingredients for sustained national development.

The Ranking Member of the Committee, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, commended the Ministry for the initiative and described the visit as an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the Ministry’s work. He stated that the Committee remains committed to offering support through informed legislation, resource advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

Members of the Committee expressed their collective commitment to working closely with the Ministry. They assured of their readiness to offer all forms of support and collaboration necessary to advance Ghana’s development agenda and promote effective governance.

In her contribution, Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui encouraged the Ministry to explore more inter-ministerial collaborations, especially in light of current governmental realignments. She stressed that cross-sectoral partnerships are crucial in delivering integrated and impactful national programmes.

The Ministry expressed appreciation for the visit and reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with Parliament as part of its broader accountability and development agenda.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Chantal Aidoo

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)

As part of the inaugural observance of Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, President John Dramani Mahama joined the Muslim community at the National Mosque in Nima, where he delivered a deeply reflective message on the role of ethics, justice, and integrity in national development.

The service, held under the leadership of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, brought together members of government, religious leaders, and the Muslim community in solemn prayer and supplication for the nation.

In his address, President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s progress must be underpinned by values that transcend slogans and ceremonial declarations.

    “Slogans or speeches will not shape the future of Ghana, but the values that we live, the choices that we make, and the faith that we practise,” he stated.

He challenged national institutions to rise to their constitutional duties with fairness and resolve: “Institutions must function with integrity. Justice must not be reserved for only the powerful. And public resources must benefit all of us, not a few,” he declared.

The President’s message at the Muslim Service echoed the central theme of the day: Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity. His presence at both the Christian and Muslim services demonstrated a commitment to unity and inclusion, values that lie at the heart of Ghana’s democratic and cultural fabric.

President Mahama called on Ghanaian leaders and citizens alike to return to the path of righteousness and accountability. “Let us uphold the sacred trust placed in us, not as an obligation to the state alone, but as a spiritual duty before God and country,” he said.

The Muslim service formed part of a nationwide interfaith observance, designed to bring all religious groups into a shared space of national reflection on July 1, which also marks the commemoration of Ghana’s Republic Day which has also been declared as the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

In attendance were the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, members of the Council of State, Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the diplomatic corps, ministers of state, members of parliament, traditional authorities, and Islamic clerics from across the country.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)