President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved the establishment of the University of Local Governance and Development.

The pioneering institution is set to address the critical needs and gaps in the country's local government system, with a relevant Bill expected to be placed before Parliament to finalise the process.

The Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, revealed the details of the ambitious project during a recent working visit to the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS).

The minister inspected several ongoing infrastructural projects designed to pave the way for the new university, which is expected to be completed by November this year.

“The establishment of the University of Local Governance and Development, situated at Ogbojo, Madina, in the Greater Accra Region, is a significant milestone not only for Ghana but for Africa as a whole.

“We are setting a new benchmark in specialised local government education,” Mr Korsah stated.

He emphasised the uniqueness of the project, and expressed optimism that the university would become a centre of excellence in local governance education.

The development includes a five-storey lecture block, a newly completed 1,800-seater conference centre known as the Great Hall, and an administration block. Additionally, the construction of 560 executive hostels is underway, alongside the renovation of existing structures such as a 250-seater auditorium, library, graduate block, and a decentralisation office.

The ILGS, established in 2003 under Act 647, is dedicated to building the capacity of local government authorities and the local government service in Ghana through education, training, research, consultancy, and advisory services.

The ongoing projects reflect the institute's commitment to advance local governance and public management in the country. Mr Korsah urged the contractors to expedite work to meet the deadline, to ensure that the institute commences operations promptly.

The initiative marks a transformative step in enhancing the human resource capabilities of local government staff in Ghana, promising a brighter future for public management and local government administration.