Accra: 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).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ibrahim spoke at a meeting of the Decentralisation Sector Working Group (DSWG) in Accra, emphasizing that decentralisation remains central to Ghana's democracy and grassroots development. The reforms being pursued focus on transparency in public fund utilisation, improved institutional performance, and inclusive local development.
Mr Ibrahim, who chairs the DSWG, recalled discussions from July of the previous year, where measures to enhance accountability in the use of the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF) were deliberated. These discussions also covered improving professionalism in the Local Government Service, advancing the SDGs through Local Voluntary Reviews, and finalising the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (2026-2030).
Current policy priorities include implementing 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.
The National Sanitation Day, part of the 'Clean Up Ghana' Initiative, was launched on September 6, 2025, at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Ogbojo, Accra, by President John Dramani Mahama. It is observed on the first Saturday of every month to improve sanitation, public health, and tourism.
Regarding the proposed upgrade of selected assemblies, Mr Ibrahim 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.
The Ministry, in partnership with the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, has completed designs and advanced procurement for modern markets nationwide. Mr Ibrahim added that GHS6.29 billion had been secured from the DACF for 2025, with GHS4.3 billion already disbursed. This includes allocations under the DACF-RFG Programme, monthly allowances for Assembly Members, and a 300 per cent increase for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers.
Mr Ibrahim reported the finalisation of key policies awaiting Cabinet approval and successful inspections of DACF-RFG projects in the Ahafo, Bono, and Volta Regions. He 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.