The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has inaugurated a 9-member Ministerial Advisory Board to help in the administration of the Ministry.
The Board, chaired by the sector Minister, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, has his Deputy, Rita Naa Odorley Sowah, Chief Director of the Ministry, Amin Abdul- Rahaman; Professor Lord Mensah of the Office of the Head of Local Government Service, and Dr Audrey Smock-Amoah of the National Development Planning Commission as members.
The rest are Dr George Yaw Amoh of the National Peace Council; Sheik Abdul Rahid Odoi, Office of the Chief Imam; Reverend Dzifa Ami Gakpleazi, Royal House Chapel International, and Owura Sarfo of the Church of Pentecost.
Established in accordance with the provisions of Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 and PNDC Law 327, the Board comprises representatives from the government, religious communities, and experts in local government and development planning.
The Board is mandated to provide strategic advice, strengthen policy direction, and ensure participatory decision-making in the Ministry.
In his Inaugural address, Mr Ibrahim stated that diversity of thought and background of the Board members was essential in ensuring that the Board’s decisions reflected the aspirations of the Ghanaian people at all levels.
The Board’s establishment, he emphasised, was a testament to the government’s commitment to meeting the demands of citizens for more accountability, inclusion, and resources.
“We live in a time when citizens demand more accountability, more inclusion, and more resources. This Board is a testament to our commitment to meet these demands,” he underlined.
The Minister cited driving reforms in decentralisation and local governments, promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, and supporting the government’s flagship programmes as some of the objectives of the newly inaugurated board.
“Our collaboration will support the NDC government’s flagship programmes—such as the 24-Hour Economy, the Big Push infrastructure plan, and youth and women-focused initiatives—aimed at promoting inclusive governance, improved sanitation, urban development, and capacity building,” he elaborated.
He assured the Ministry’s commitment to provide the necessary resources and secretarial support to enable the Board to carry out its mandate effectively.
Mr Ibrahim also urged the Board members to work diligently to deliver their duties.
“Your individual and collective presence here reflects your unwavering commitment to the development and transformation of our local governance systems, the promotion of religious harmony, and the preservation of our traditional institutions,” he indicated.
“Let us work together, guided by our shared vision of a Ghana where governance is local, development is inclusive, tradition is respected, and faith communities are empowered,” he added.
He praised the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), National Peace Council (NPC), and Local Government Service for the crucial roles played in the country’s development efforts, adding that their strategic insights and institutional experiences were seen as vital in aligning the government’s work with national planning frameworks.
He also commended Ms Sowah and Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman for their continuous leadership and support.
info@businessghana.com
