Strategic and practical ideas to deepen decentralisation and local governance in Ghana were the focus of discussions at the maiden International Conference on Decentralisation, Local Governance, and Sustainable Development. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), the two-day event provided a platform for key stakeholders to exchange insights and explore pathways to foster inclusive, democratic governance for sustainable development.

The conference, held from September 11-12, 2024, at the ILGS, brought together a diverse group of participants, including researchers, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students from across the globe. The theme of the event, “Deepening Decentralisation and Local Governance to Foster Inclusive and Democratic Governance for Sustainable Development,” framed discussions around strengthening local governance structures to meet the demands of inclusive development and democratic principles.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, underscored the importance of building capacity within local government institutions. He stressed that the success of Ghana's decentralisation efforts hinges on the competence of local government officials and employees, pledging the Ministry's commitment to ongoing capacity-building initiatives. He referenced the recently launched Local Economic Development Policy (2024-2029), along with its Implementation Plan and accompanying Practitioners’ Manual, as a key step towards empowering local economies and promoting sustainable development.

"The goal of the new policy," the Minister stated, "is to create a conducive environment at the district level for local business growth, decent employment opportunities, and economic empowerment for all Ghanaians. This will drive the broader agenda of decentralisation and sustainable local governance."

The conference featured a series of plenary and parallel sessions, with participants delving into a range of pertinent themes, including Building Local Economies for Sustainable Growth and Prosperity, Governance Dynamics for Balancing Authority and Efficiency, Decentralisation, Inclusive Governance and Development, and Building Sustainable and Healthy Communities for a Resilient Future. These discussions aimed to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of local governance.

Attendees included representatives from MLGDRD, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the ILGS, and partner institutions such as the University of Ghana, GIMPA, the University of Cape Coast, and the University of Education, Winneba. International organisations such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), as well as participants from countries including the USA, Burkina Faso, India, Palestine, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, also contributed to the dialogue.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity for cross-border learning and collaboration, furthering the global commitment to decentralisation as a means to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

SOURCE:  Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has assured Ghanaians that the newly launched Local Economic Development (LED) Policy and Implementation Plan (2024-2029) will create thousands of jobs and empower communities across the country.

Speaking at the launch at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the policy marks a turning point in Ghana’s economic development, laying the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable local economies.

“The LED Policy is a roadmap for empowering our local economies by utilizing the resources we have in every corner of the country. We will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, provide decent employment opportunities, and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Hon. Korsah.

The policy aims to strengthen the role of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as engines of growth. It is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all, and with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Key actions under the LED Policy include enhancing local entrepreneurship and SME growth by providing technical and financial support, boosting agricultural productivity, and modernizing industrial zones.

It will also engender Job creation initiatives aimed at generating employment through key projects such as the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) and the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, which have already created tens of thousands of jobs through infrastructure and livelihood support programmes​

The policy and its implementation will empower local communities with skills training, access to financial services, and support for micro-enterprises, ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable groups benefit directly from economic opportunities as well as bring about Infrastructure development, including upgrading urban markets and establishing local economic hubs to stimulate private investment.

The Ministry also unveiled the revised LED Practitioners’ Manual, a comprehensive guide for MMDAs to effectively implement LED initiatives, ensuring accountability and measurable impact.

“This policy is not just a document, it’s a call to action. We are determined to reduce poverty, improve incomes, and create jobs that will transform the lives of Ghanaians,” Hon. Korsah emphasized, urging MMDAs and all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for meaningful change​.

With the implementation of the LED Policy, Ghana is set to witness a new wave of local economic empowerment, increased employment, and the rise of resilient, self-sustaining communities across the nation.

The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has welcomed a delegation from the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The courtesy call aimed to reinforce the existing partnership between the Ministry and BIRD-KNUST, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing rural development initiatives across the country.

The BIRD-KNUST delegation, led by a senior director and the Provost of the university, expressed their eagerness to deepen collaboration, particularly in capacity building and policy implementation. Highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions, the director stated, "We are here not only to introduce ourselves but also to underscore key aspects of the MOU, beyond this policy briefing. It is reassuring to know that the Ministry is fully committed to strengthening this partnership."

One of the critical issues raised during the meeting was the need for tailored short courses aimed at building the capacity of Ministry staff. The director emphasized the potential benefits of such initiatives, noting that "engaging with the Ministry to develop customized short courses will greatly contribute to the professional growth of its staff."

The Provost, who has been a longstanding advocate for rural development, reiterated the importance of implementing the MOU's key deliverables. He highlighted the annual State of Rural Development report, a crucial tool for assessing the progress of rural development in Ghana. "As Provost, I have closely followed the development of rural areas, and I strongly believe that the State of the Rural Economy report is vital. It serves as a measurable indicator for evaluating the Ministry's impact on rural development," he stated. He urged the Ministry to expedite the implementation of this initiative, expressing BIRD-KNUST's readiness to contribute to its success.

The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, in a response, assured the delegation of the Ministry's commitment to fostering collaboration. "I am ready to collaborate with you to deepen our partnership and ensure mutual development," the Minister affirmed.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)