Government reviews decentralisation reforms

Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has reaffirmed government's commitment to deepening decentralisation, strengthening accountability and accelerating development across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

Speaking at a meeting of the Decentralisation Sector Working Group (DSWG) in Accra, he said decentralisation remained central to Ghana's democracy and grassroots development. Reforms being pursued, he noted, focusing on transparency in public fund utilisation, improved institutional performance, and inclusive local development.

Mr Ibrahim, who chairs the DSWG, recalled that members in July last year discussed measures to enhance accountability in the use of the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF), improve professionalism in the Local Government Service, advance the SDGs through Local Voluntary Reviews, and finalise the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (2026–2030).

Current policy priorities include implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Markets across all 261 MMDAs, the National Sanitation Campaign, the DACF-Responsiveness Factor Grant (DACF-RFG) Programme, legislative reviews, digital mobilisation of Internally Generated Funds (IGF), and strengthening transport departments to address urban mobility challenges.

He said the National Sanitation Day, dubbed the “Clean Up Ghana” Initiative, was launched on September 6, 2025, at the Institute of Local Government Studies, Ogbojo, Accra, by President John Dramani Mahama, and is observed on the first Saturday of every month to improve sanitation, public health and tourism.

On the proposed upgrade of selected assemblies, the Minister disclosed that a committee chaired by Johnson Asiedu Nketiah had submitted its report after consultations and field assessments. The report, under review for onward submission to the President, seeks Executive approval to upgrade 12 municipalities, one district and 20 districts to metropolitan and municipal status, based on objective standards, population, infrastructure and service capacity.

Mr Ibrahim said the Ministry, in partnership with the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, had completed designs and advanced procurement for modern markets nationwide. He added that GH¢6.29 billion had been secured from the DACF for 2025, with GH¢4.3 billion already disbursed, alongside allocations under the DACF-RFG Programme, monthly allowances for Assembly Members, and a 300 per cent increase for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers.

He further reported the finalisation of key policies awaiting Cabinet approval, successful inspections of DACF-RFG projects in the Ahafo, Bono and Volta Regions, and announced that the President would launch a Regional Accountability Series on March 18, 2026, to enhance transparency and combat corruption.

Mr Ibrahim reiterated the Ministry's commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of decentralisation reforms in line with national development objectives.

GNA