Ghana has been commended for its exemplary decentralized governance system and significant strides in rural development, standing out as a model for African nations seeking to enhance local governance. This recognition followed a study tour by a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini, which aimed to draw lessons from Ghana's best practices.

The nine-member delegation, which included two ministers of state and other key officials, embarked on a week-long tour starting September 16, 2024, to explore Ghana’s local government system. The tour was part of Eswatini’s effort to strengthen its governance framework through insights from successful African counterparts.

The delegation expressed admiration for Ghana’s achievements in decentralization, particularly its robust policies aimed at empowering rural communities. Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, leader of the Eswatini delegation, emphasized that the lessons learned in Ghana would play a crucial role in shaping Eswatini’s approach to grassroots governance. Speaking on behalf of the team, Dlamini noted that Ghana’s commitment to decentralization is not only inspiring but also provides a practical blueprint for other African countries to follow.

Addressing the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the delegation lauded the country's achievements and acknowledged the critical role the Ministry has played in driving Ghana’s progress. They praised the Minister's leadership in creating an environment conducive to local governance and rural development, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people.

In response, Hon. Korsah expressed his appreciation for the commendations and underscored the importance of peer learning across African nations. He assured the Eswatini delegation of Ghana’s continued readiness to offer guidance as they work towards establishing a more inclusive and effective local government system in their country.

Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development through decentralization has cemented its status as a leader in local governance. By empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive development, the country continues to serve as a beacon of progress for other nations in Africa.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in partnership with the German government through the German Development Corporation (GIZ), has further cemented its commitment to decentralisation reforms in Ghana. This was demonstrated during the official launch of SECO’s contribution to the Participation Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme on September 18, 2024, in Accra.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) hosted the event, which saw key stakeholders from Ghana, Switzerland, and Germany come together to discuss the implementation of the PAIReD programme. Central to these discussions were improving the inter-governmental fiscal framework, enhancing local-level data management and land-use planning, and strengthening accountability in governance.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the government of Germany and Switzerland was commended for their consistent support toward Ghana’s decentralisation agenda. The minister emphasized that this collaborative effort would help achieve the PAIReD programme’s ambitious goals, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all partners.

Dr. Dirk Assman, Country Director of GIZ, highlighted the importance of joint efforts, noting that the collaboration between stakeholders would drive significant achievements in participatory governance and accountability. He remarked, “Together we will accomplish some remarkable achievements as part of our cooperation.”

Also speaking at the event, David Collison, Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Finance, stressed the importance of accountability in fostering trust between the government and its citizens. He acknowledged that the successful implementation of the PAIReD programme would rely heavily on the active engagement of development partners, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

The PAIReD programme aims to create a governance framework that is efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of the people. Key areas of focus include participatory planning, budgeting, improved data management, land-use management, and enhancing accountability in the inter-governmental fiscal system. These efforts are expected to contribute to good governance and sustainable development in Ghana.

The launch event was attended by representatives from the Local Government Ministry, the German Embassy, the Swiss Embassy, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders. With renewed enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of the PAIReD programme, participants left the event equipped to drive accountable governance and foster resilient democracy in Ghana.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD)has welcomed a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini on Monday, September 16, 2024, as part of a knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at deepening Eswatini’s understanding of local governance and decentralisation.

The nine-member delegation, comprising two ministers of state and key officials, embarked on this benchmark study visit to explore Ghana’s dynamic local government system, recognized for its structured and comprehensive approach.

The visit comes at a time when the Kingdom of Eswatini is seeking to enhance its local governance framework by learning from best practices across Africa. Ghana, lauded for its progressive and effective decentralisation model, presents a viable case for Eswatini, which is keen to replicate aspects of Ghana’s system that align with its national development objectives.

During the engagement, MLGDRD officials delivered a detailed presentation on Ghana’s local governance structure, followed by an in-depth discussion on the system's implementation across various levels of government. The presentation emphasized the critical roles played by district assemblies, participatory governance, and the strategic decentralisation of public service delivery in fostering national development.

The Chief Director of MLGDRD, Mr.  Amin Abdul-Rahaman, who chaired the meeting, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Eswatini in its decentralisation efforts. He assured the delegation of Ghana’s readiness to offer guidance throughout their journey toward establishing a more robust and inclusive local government system.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the leader, Hon. Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, underscored the significance of the visit, describing it as a pivotal step in Eswatini’s quest to strengthen its local governance. He expressed admiration for Ghana’s achievements and noted that the lessons learned would be instrumental in shaping Eswatini’s approach to governance at the grassroots level.

The study visit underscores the importance of peer learning and collaboration between African nations as they work to enhance governance and promote sustainable development across the continent.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)