Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs

04/06/2026

Come Saturday, 6th June 2026, the Ministry is partnering with Key Stakeholders for the National Sanitation Day exercise.
A coordinated clean-up will be undertaken within La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, focusing on beaches and surrounding communities.
Sanitation remains a shared national responsibility. We call on all citizens in LA and the general public to clean their environs to support this initiative.
Together, we advance a cleaner, healthier Ghana.

03/06/2026

Stakeholders Oriented on GSCSP Funding Arrangements

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has begun nationwide stakeholder engagements on the funding provisions currently available under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP). The engagements are aimed at ensuring the continuation of all ongoing infrastructure projects and the delivery of urban services to beneficiary communities.

The orientation is being conducted across five zones nationwide. The Zone Three session, hosted by the Asokwa Municipal Assembly, brought together stakeholders from the Asokwa, Suame, Old Tafo, Obuasi, Kwabre East, Ahafo Ano North, and Asunafo North Municipal Assemblies, as well as the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly. Participants were drawn from the Ashanti, Ahafo and Western North Regions.

The session assembled Municipal Chief Executives, Municipal Coordinating Directors, consultants, contractors and technical officials involved in implementing the Programme to deepen their understanding of the current financing arrangements and the measures put in place to sustain ongoing works under the Programme.

With limited funds currently available for project implementation, the Ministry has adopted a coordinated approach that prioritises sub-projects according to their stage of completion, with agreed funding allocations intended to keep works progressing while efforts continue to mobilise additional resources.

In addition to discussions on financing arrangements, participants were taken through key aspects of Programme implementation. Resource persons delivered presentations on financial management, monitoring and evaluation, contract management, and environmental and social safeguards, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and reinforcing the importance of effective coordination among stakeholders.

The approach is expected to safeguard investments already made under the Programme and ensure that beneficiary communities ultimately enjoy improved infrastructure and enhanced access to services.

The Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme is a Government of Ghana investment initiative financed through a credit facility from the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with participating Municipal Assemblies. The Programme seeks to strengthen urban governance and improve infrastructure and service delivery in selected secondary cities across the country.

The zonal orientation sessions are expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and facilitate the successful completion of ongoing sub-projects for the benefit of citizens across the participating municipalities. World Bank Group

02/06/2026

AFD, Government Deepen Partnership on Urban Resilience and Sustainable City Development

The Government of Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on sustainable urban development, with renewed focus on the implementation of the Tamale Urban Resilience Project (TURP) and the exploration of new opportunities in waste management and sanitation.

This was discussed during a high-level meeting between the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Country Director of AFD, where both sides reviewed progress on the Tamale Urban Resilience Project and broader urban development priorities.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project, noting that key institutional structures have already been established to support its ex*****on. He assured the AFD delegation that measures were being taken to address outstanding administrative challenges and accelerate implementation.

The Minister further highlighted Ghana’s efforts to strengthen urban governance through the newly approved National Urbanisation Policy, which seeks to address challenges such as poor spatial planning and uncoordinated urban growth. He expressed confidence that the policy would provide a strong framework for sustainable urban development and welcomed AFD’s continued support in its rollout.

The AFD Country Director underscored the longstanding partnership between France and Ghana, describing urban development, transport, energy, agriculture, climate adaptation and youth empowerment as key pillars of cooperation. She noted that AFD currently manages about 26 projects in Ghana valued at approximately €319 million and continues to expand its development portfolio in the country.

While acknowledging the strong collaboration between all stakeholders involved in the Tamale Urban Resilience Project, the AFD delegation expressed concern over delays that have slowed implementation despite the project’s approval and the mobilisation of technical support. The team stressed the importance of accelerating processes to enable the project to move forward as planned.

The delegation also expressed interest in expanding cooperation into solid waste management and sanitation, indicating AFD’s readiness to support government priorities in those areas through additional financing and technical assistance.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation and ensuring the timely implementation of the Tamale Urban Resilience Project, while exploring new avenues for promoting resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities across Ghana.

02/06/2026

Ghana’s participation at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable urban development, inclusive communities, and resilient cities.

Watch this GTV News report for highlights of Ghana’s engagement, key discussions, and the opportunities being explored to advance local governance and urban transformation.

02/06/2026

The MCE for La-Dadekotopon, Hon Alfredo Nii Anyetei, and his family have officially informed the Ministry of the burial arrangements for his late mother, Madam Agnes Yawa Aggor.

According to the family, the wake-keeping will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the forecourt of the Trade Fair Centre, La, with the burial service taking place at the same venue the following day, Friday, June 5. The thanksgiving service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Nativity Congregation, on Sunday, June 6, 2026.

Hon Rita Naa Odolley Sowah, the deputy sector minister, who also doubles as the MP for La-Dadekotopon, on behalf of the Hon Minister, extended to them the condolences of the Ministry. She assured them of the Ministry’s support for and presence at the funeral to help give the deceased a befitting burial. Naa Odoley Sowah

01/06/2026

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Champions Ghana's Urban Transformation Agenda at WUF13

Ghana's Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has championed the country's vision for inclusive urban development, affordable housing and resilient local governance at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026.

Delivering Ghana's country statement at the global gathering, the Minister outlined a range of policies and programmes being implemented by government to address the challenges and opportunities associated with rapid urbanisation, while positioning cities and human settlements as key drivers of national development.

Convened by UN-Habitat under the theme, "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," WUF13 brought together governments, mayors, development partners, urban planners and civil society organisations from across the globe to deliberate on solutions to the growing housing crisis, climate vulnerability, urban inequality and sustainable urbanisation.

Addressing delegates, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim noted that Ghana's urban transition continues to create significant opportunities for innovation, enterprise and economic transformation, while also placing increasing demands on housing, land management, sanitation, drainage systems, mobility and access to public services.

"For us, the urban question is not peripheral to development; it is central to national transformation," the Minister stated.

He explained that government is pursuing a coherent urban agenda anchored on decentralisation, integrated planning and local participation, while strengthening Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve service delivery, accountability and local economic development.

The Minister highlighted key national interventions including the revised National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan, the National Homeownership Fund, the Affordable Housing Programme and the District Housing Programme, all aimed at improving access to decent housing and promoting sustainable urban growth.

He further showcased flagship initiatives such as the Local Economic Development Policy and the 24-Hour Model Market Initiative, which seek to modernise market infrastructure, improve sanitation and safety, reduce congestion and create economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

The discussions at WUF13 focused heavily on the urgent need to address the global housing crisis, strengthen climate resilience, expand access to urban finance and accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Participants also called for stronger local institutions and greater international cooperation to support sustainable urban development.

The Minister's presentation aligned closely with the broader global discussions, particularly on the need for housing to be treated as a catalyst for resilience, inclusion and economic opportunity, while empowering local governments to drive development from the grassroots.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, to discuss ways of deepening cooperation between Ghana and UN-Habitat in advancing sustainable urban development and housing initiatives.

During the meeting, the Minister commended UN-Habitat for its longstanding partnership with Ghana and its leadership in promoting sustainable urbanisation through global platforms such as the Africa Urban Forum and the World Urban Forum. He highlighted Ghana's progress in implementing urban development programmes and informed the Executive Director of the country's submission of its New Urban Agenda Report.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also stressed the importance of maximising the use of national institutions and local expertise in programme implementation to ensure sustainability and local ownership. He acknowledged Ghana's outstanding financial contribution to UN-Habitat and assured the organisation that steps were being taken to address the payment obligations.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, sustainable urban development, housing delivery and opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Ghana and UN-Habitat.

The Minister further reiterated Ghana's commitment to continuous collaboration with UN-Habitat and expressed the country's readiness to pursue joint resource mobilisation opportunities to support transformative urban development, housing and climate resilience initiatives.

Ghana's participation at WUF13 underscored the country's commitment to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, while strengthening partnerships aimed at building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities for present and future generations.

29/05/2026

MLGCRA, AFDB Review Progress of GASSLIP Project

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has begun a joint mission with officials from the African Development Bank (AFDB) to review the implementation progress of the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihoods Improvement Project (GASSLIP).

The review meeting which came off on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026 at the Ministry’s conferenceroom in Accra was to assess key achievements, address implementation challenges, and outline priorities ahead of the project’s completion in November 2027.

In his open remarks, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, MP, commended the AFDB for its continued partnership in improving sanitation and urban livelihoods in Ghana.

The Minister disclosed that the US$53.86 million project has recorded significant milestones, including the construction of over 5,000 household toilet facilities benefiting more than 50,000 residents, as well as about 60 institutional WASH facilities serving schools and public institutions across the Greater Accra Region.

He further noted that decentralized sewer systems are progressing in communities such as Accra Central and Korle Gonno, while waste management equipment including skip trucks and motorized tricycles have been supplied to beneficiary assemblies to improve waste collection.

Hon. Ibrahim acknowledged existing challenges such as delayed payments, land acquisition issues, and contractor cash flow constraints, stressing the need for continued collaboration between stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

The AFDB delegation, on its part, commended the Ministry for its strong administrative support and commitment to the project. The team emphasized that securing land for the proposed landfill site remains a key priority to enable the next phase of implementation.

The GASSLIP project is jointly funded by the African Development Bank and the Government of Ghana and seeks to improve sanitation, waste management, and livelihoods in selected urban communities within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.

29/05/2026

ECOWAS Commission, Five Institutions Partner Ministry for National Sanitation Day Exercise

The ECOWAS Commission in Ghana together with Five other institutions have pledged their support towards the Ministry’s upcoming National Sanitation Day monitoring exercise scheduled for Saturday, 6th June 2026.

The commitment was made during a meeting held on Friday, 22nd May 2026 at the Ministry’s conference room in Accra, where representatives of the participating institutions disclosed their intention to support the nationwide sanitation campaign with manpower and resources.

Among the institutions that expressed support were the National Cadet Corps Ghana, Green Africa Youth Organisation, National Plastics Action Partnership, Mayekoo Foundation and The OR Foundation LBG who described sanitation as a collective national responsibility that requires collaboration from all sectors of society.

The partners, together with the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, revealed plans to undertake a massive clean-up exercise along selected beaches and surrounding communities within the municipality. According to the group, the initiative is aimed at improving environmental health, promoting cleanliness and enhancing the tourism appeal of the coastal areas.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Director of Research, Statistic and Information Management, Mr. Divine Ayidzoe, welcomed the partnership and commended the institutions for their commitment to national development through sanitation.

He noted that sanitation remains a shared responsibility and stressed that collective action by citizens and organizations would significantly contribute towards making Ghana cleaner and healthier.

Mr. Ayidzoe further called on other corporate bodies, institutions and well-meaning Ghanaians to emulate the gesture and support the National Sanitation Day initiative in their respective communities.

29/05/2026

President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, together with Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs at the Presidency as part of ongoing engagements with traditional authorities across the country.

The delegation, led by Nana Owusu Sakyi III, President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, included Paramount Chiefs, Queen Mothers and traditional leaders from across the Bono East Region. They were accompanied by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi.

Discussions focused on key developmental priorities and matters of national interest affecting the Bono East Region. The traditional leaders commended Government for ongoing interventions and progress made towards improving livelihoods within the Region.

President Mahama reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening the economy and enhancing the strategic role of Bono East in agriculture, trade and commerce, particularly within Techiman and its surrounding communities.

Key interventions outlined for the Region include the establishment of special markets under the Government’s 24-hour economy initiative, the development of Farmer Service Centres to support agricultural productivity, and the construction of a 50,000-tonne cashew processing factory to boost agro-industrialisation and create jobs.

The President also highlighted Government’s commitment to major road infrastructure projects and plans towards the establishment of a Regional Hospital to improve healthcare delivery for the people of Bono East.

The engagement reaffirmed the important role of traditional authorities in national development and Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with chiefs and community leaders to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development across the country.

Infrastructure TraditionalLeadership Techiman InclusiveGrowth SustainableDevelopment

29/05/2026

2026 National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day to be held under the theme 'Resetting Our Values to Build the Ghana We Want'

Speaking at a meeting with the committee on May 28, 2026, the Minister encouraged members to maintain the same spirit and unity as preparations intensify for the second edition scheduled for July 1, 2026.