The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs has unveiled a major shift in the distribution of the District Assembly Common Fund, allocating 80% directly to regions to empower local governance. The remaining 20% will support national agencies such as the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
This move, aimed at strengthening decentralization, was highlighted during a courtesy visit by Swiss Ambassador H.E. Simone Petra Giger to the ministry on March 10. Discussions focused on diplomatic cooperation and strategies to enhance local governance.
Sector Minister Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that district-level authorities have the autonomy and resources to drive local development. He reiterated that placing all developmental agencies under the ministry’s supervision will enhance accountability and efficiency.
“The goal is to allow districts to determine their priorities rather than relying on centralized decisions. Decentralization is about empowering people at the local level, and this initiative is the best approach to achieving that,” he stated.
Swiss Ambassador Giger welcomed the move, expressing Switzerland’s readiness to support Ghana’s decentralization efforts. She noted that Ghana has a long history of local governance reforms and commended the renewed commitment to strengthening the system.
“If Ghana truly takes the next step in decentralization, we will be happy to provide the necessary support,” she affirmed.
This policy shift marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s governance structure, reinforcing the government’s pledge to devolve power and improve local development.
