Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - The Ministry of Local Government, Chief Tenancy and Religious Affairs has marked the end of 2025 with a stirring staff meeting, showcasing an impressive list of accomplishments that have significantly transformed governance and community development in Ghana.
The ministry's achievements in decentralization have been particularly noteworthy. In a remarkable feat of administrative efficiency, the ministry coordinated the confirmation of all 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives before May – a record-breaking achievement, especially for a newly transitioned government. Additionally, 30% of government appointees have been appointed and sworn in across all 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.
The ministry also made significant strides in financial management, becoming the first to issue digital assembly Common Fund guidelines to all 261 assemblies – a task that had remained unaccomplished in previous years. The ministry successfully facilitated the transfer of the first three quarters of the Disassembly Common Fund in record time and secured the payment of allowances to assembly members – a historic first since the Fourth Republic.
Innovative development initiatives have also been a hallmark of the ministry's work. The Ghana Sustainable City Strategy was launched in collaboration with the World Bank, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban development. Designs for warning markets to be constructed in all 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies have been finalized, paving the way for improved commerce and economic growth.
The ministry's social protection efforts have been equally impressive, with the Ghana Protective System enrolling 62,262 beneficiaries, 69% of whom are women. Approximately 867 jobs have been created through various social investment funds and rural development projects, providing economic opportunities across the country.
Environmental and sanitation initiatives have also seen significant progress. The National Sanitation Day was relaunched under the Clean Ghana Agenda, with a week-long sanitation exercise from December 13-20, 2023, visibly improving cleanliness in urban areas, particularly in Accra.
Despite facing challenges such as delayed fund releases and logistical constraints, the ministry has maintained its resilience and professional approach. Looking ahead to 2026, the ministry plans to focus on deepening decentralization reforms, expanding sanitation initiatives, enhancing community development programs, and promoting traditional values.
Key Highlights
- Record-breaking confirmation of metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives
- Digital assembly Common Fund guidelines issued to all 261 assemblies
- Payment of allowances to assembly members secured
- Ghana Sustainable City Strategy launched
- Warning markets to be constructed in all 261 assemblies
- 62,262 beneficiaries enrolled in Ghana Protective System
- 867 jobs created through social investment funds and rural development projects
- National Sanitation Day relaunched under Clean Ghana Agenda
The ministry's leadership emphasized the importance of working with dedication and biblical values, referencing Colossians 3:23, which encourages doing everything with full commitment. As the country moves into 2026, there is a palpable sense of optimism and anticipation for the continued transformation and growth initiated by this dynamic ministry.
