Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has praised the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for its key role in bringing governance closer to the people through decentralisation.

She made this known after she visited the Ministry to engage with its leadership and staff.

According to her, the visit was to better understand the progress being made in responsive governance and effective service delivery across the country.

“The Ministry is truly at the heart of government, especially as we work to reset the decentralisation agenda and strengthen our institutions,” she said.

During the meeting, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, briefed the Vice President on several achievements since he took office.

He said the Ministry had successfully organised orientation programmes for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and had issued clear guidelines on how the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) should be used.

He also spoke about the National Decentralisation Dialogue, which he described as an important platform that allows stakeholders to contribute ideas toward the future of Ghana’s decentralisation process.

Ahmed Ibrahim further noted that the Ministry has strengthened its relationship with traditional authorities.

He said engagement with chiefs and queen mothers has increased significantly, adding that the government has approved about a 300 percent increase in allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers.

According to him, this move shows government’s recognition of the important role traditional leaders play in promoting unity, development, and local governance.

The Minister announced the launch of National Sanitation Day work plans.

He explained that this forms part of preparations to roll out a 24-hour sanitation programme aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation across the country.

He added that there is renewed confidence among investors and development partners because of the growing stability and clear direction under the current administration.

In her remarks, the Vice President stressed that decentralisation must be used to improve the daily lives of Ghanaians.

She said social governance is key to maintaining peace and national stability.

She commended the Ministry for its efforts to ensure that public funds, especially the DACF, are used for their intended purposes.

“I appreciate the steps being taken to ensure accountability and that these funds truly benefit the people,” she stated.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the engagement was not only to encourage the Ministry but also to listen, support, and strengthen cooperation in delivering better results for communities.

She reminded all stakeholders that governance is a shared responsibility.

“Government does not work alone. We must continue to treat every stakeholder, at every level, with the respect they deserve,” she said.

By: Jacob Aggrey