The 5th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) Orientation under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP) has taken place, bringing together representatives from 35 Municipal Assemblies across the country.

The orientation, aimed at equipping the Assemblies with the necessary knowledge and tools, focused on preparing them to meet the required disbursement-linked indicators essential for the release of funds under the programme.

The APA, which marks the final assessment under the GSCSP, is a critical step in ensuring that the Assemblies are well-prepared to access funds for vital developmental projects within their municipalities.

Speaking at the opening of the orientation, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, urged the Assemblies to maximize this opportunity to learn and understand all the requirements thoroughly.

Hon. Korsah emphasized the importance of the Assemblies' commitment to fulfilling the disbursement-linked indicators, which are key to unlocking the necessary funding for socio-economic growth within their municipalities. He encouraged the Assemblies to work diligently towards meeting these indicators, ensuring they can fully access the funds available for the benefit of their communities.

The orientation marks a significant landmark in the ongoing efforts to support and develop secondary cities across Ghana, contributing to the broader goal of enhancing socio-economic development and improving the quality of life for residents in these municipalities.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

In a determined drive to ensure the timely and quality completion of key infrastructure projects, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, embarked on an intensive two-day inspection tour of project sites across the Western and Central Regions. These projects, executed under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), are pivotal to the government's broader agenda of fortifying secondary cities as engines of socio-economic growth.

During his tour, the Minister visited several Municipal and District Assemblies, including Ahanta West, Effia Kwesimintsim, Mfantseman, Assin Fosu, Agona West, and Awutu Senya East, scrutinizing the progress of roads, drains, markets, lockable stores, lorry parks, and terminals—all at various stages of completion.

Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah was unreserved in his praise where progress aligned with set timelines, commending the Assemblies for their dedication to these critical projects.

 However, his message was unequivocal to those lagging: There will be no room for delays or requests for contract extensions. "We will not entertain any requests for extension in contract duration," the Minister declared. "These projects are essential to our nation’s development, and any delays undermine our goals for economic growth and community wellbeing."

This firm stance reflects the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises within stipulated timelines, ensuring that infrastructure serves its intended purpose without unnecessary delays.

The Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to project timelines, warning contractors that failure to meet deadlines could lead to contractual breaches and the possible cancellation of contracts.

In addition to insisting on timeliness, the Minister called for a heightened focus on quality. He urged District Assemblies to reinforce their supervisory roles, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of durability and efficiency.

 "The quality of these projects will determine their longevity and their value to our communities. We cannot compromise on this," he stressed.

The GSCSP is more than just an infrastructure initiative; it is a vital component of Ghana's strategy to build resilient, self-sustaining secondary cities capable of driving regional development. By providing District Assemblies with the necessary funding and capacity-building resources, the program aims to enhance service delivery and foster local economic growth.

As Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah concluded his tour, his directive was clear: The successful completion of these projects is non-negotiable. The urgency and quality of the work being done today will define the future of Ghana’s secondary cities, ensuring they become vibrant, sustainable centers of development.

 The Minister’s unwavering commitment to this vision sends a strong signal to all stakeholders: There is no room for complacency; the stakes are too high, and the timeline too critical for anything less than excellence.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Nsuekyir community, in the Effutu Municipality in the Central region has benefited some projects under the first phase of the Promoting Green and Climate Resilient Local Economies in Ghana – Applying Circular Economy and Climate Smart Agriculture Principles and Solutions to Local Development Pathways (Local-ACE) Project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and funded by the Norwegian Government and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

The projects which were commissioned and handed over to the Nsuekyir community on Tuesday, August 20, include the construction of a Cassava Processing Site, and Drilling and Provision of Water Facilities.

In a statement read on his behalf, the hon. minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Partners, particularly in championing the goals of the LoCAL-ACE initiative, which is intended to mitigate the impact of climate change, promote circular economy, climate smart agriculture and support for sustainable livelihood interventions that benefit the low-income women and youth.

These interventions, according to him have been expressed in efforts made towards building resilience of the vulnerable and marginalise individuals and communities using the LoCAL, a mechanism developed by UNCDF and the MLGDRD as a global standard initiative that focuses on financing locally led adaptation efforts in the country.

The LoCAL-ACE is an extension of the Promoting Green and Climate Resilient Local Economies in Ghana (LoCAL) mechanism, which has for the past 8 years, been employed to secure funding for various micro-projects that have led to improved water supply through provision of boreholes, provision of footbridges and culverts, setting up greenhouse nets, conducting awareness campaigns to educate the local communities, particularly women and farmers, and enhancing their ability to withstand the impacts of climate change and various crises.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)