Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
ACCRA, Ghana - In a significant move to enhance local governance and promote national unity, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has officially inaugurated its new Ministerial Advisory Board, bringing together distinguished leaders from various sectors to provide strategic guidance on the country's decentralization agenda.
The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, marked a pivotal moment in Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots level. The event brought together key stakeholders including government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and development planning experts.
The newly inaugurated board boasts impressive diversity, reflecting the ministry's commitment to inclusive decision-making. Among the distinguished members are Hon. Ritana Odole Sawa, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Chief Director Abdul Amin Rahman. The board also includes Dr. Audrey Smoke, the Director General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and Professor Lord Mensa from the Local Government Service.
Notably, the board incorporates representatives from Ghana's major religious communities, including delegates from the Charismatic and Pentecostal Council and the Muslim community, alongside the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council. This interfaith representation underscores the government's recognition of religion's crucial role in national development and social cohesion.
Minister Ibrahim emphasized that the board represents far more than a ceremonial establishment. "The board is not just a mere formality. It is established to provide strategic advice, strengthen policy direction and ensure participatory decision making that reflects the aspirations of Ghanaian people at all levels," he declared during the inauguration.
The minister outlined the board's primary functions as serving as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility, helping the ministry remain focused, responsive, and accountable in executing its mandate. This approach aligns with contemporary governance principles that prioritize citizen participation and transparency in public administration.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs faces complex responsibilities that span multiple sectors of national development. These include coordinating decentralization efforts, managing local governance structures, overseeing chieftaincy affairs, handling religious matters, and improving service delivery across Ghana's 260 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Minister Ibrahim acknowledged these challenges, stating that the ministry's tasks "are multi-dimensional and require not only technical expertise, but strong partnership, mutual trust and visionary leadership." The new advisory board is positioned to provide the necessary expertise and guidance to navigate these complex responsibilities effectively.
The board's establishment comes at a crucial time as Ghana implements ambitious development programs under the current NDC government. Minister Ibrahim highlighted the board's role in supporting flagship initiatives including the 24-hour economy policy, the big push infrastructure plan, and youth and women-focused programs aimed at promoting inclusive governance, improving sanitation, and advancing urban development.
The collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission ensures that local government initiatives align with broader national planning frameworks, creating synergy between local and national development objectives. This coordination is essential for maximizing the impact of government investments and ensuring sustainable development outcomes.
The inclusion of religious and traditional leaders on the advisory board reflects Ghana's unique approach to governance that recognizes the influence of faith-based and customary institutions. Minister Ibrahim specifically thanked religious community representatives, describing them as "pillars for moral guidance, spiritual leadership and national unity."
This integration acknowledges that effective governance in Ghana requires collaboration between formal government structures and traditional/religious institutions that command significant influence at the community level. The National Peace Council's representation further emphasizes the board's role in maintaining social harmony and preventing conflicts.
Recognizing the increasing demands from citizens for greater accountability and inclusion, Minister Ibrahim assured that the ministry would provide necessary resources and secretarial support to enable the board to function effectively. This commitment addresses a common challenge faced by advisory bodies that often lack adequate operational support.
The minister emphasized that "we live in a time when citizens demand more accountability, more inclusion, more resources. This board is a testament to our commitment to meet these demands." This statement reflects the government's awareness of evolving citizen expectations and its willingness to adapt governance structures accordingly.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with Minister Ibrahim's articulation of a comprehensive vision for Ghana's future. He called for collaborative efforts "guided by our shared vision of a Ghana where governance is local, development is inclusive, tradition is respected, and faith communities are empowered."
This vision encapsulates key principles of modern democratic governance while respecting Ghana's cultural and religious diversity. The emphasis on local governance aligns with global trends toward decentralization as a means of bringing government closer to the people and improving service delivery.
With the board now officially inaugurated, attention turns to implementation of its mandate. Key action items include ensuring implementation of board recommendations, providing necessary operational resources, and aligning ministry work with national planning frameworks to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The Deputy Minister and Chief Director have been tasked with facilitating the board's effective operation, while the NDPC will play a crucial role in ensuring coordination with national development priorities. The success of this initiative will largely depend on the board's ability to translate its diverse expertise into actionable policy recommendations.
The establishment of this Ministerial Advisory Board represents a significant step in Ghana's democratic evolution, demonstrating the government's commitment to participatory governance and inclusive decision-making. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the initiative creates opportunities for more comprehensive policy development that considers multiple perspectives and interests.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions and improve governance outcomes, initiatives like this advisory board serve as important mechanisms for bridging the gap between government and citizens while ensuring that policy decisions reflect the nation's diversity and aspirations.
The success of this board will be measured not only by the quality of its advice but also by the ministry's ability to implement recommendations effectively and deliver improved services to Ghana's citizens at all levels of government.