The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for a renewed focus on accountability as the country works to strengthen its decentralisation system.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance in Accra, the Minister explained that his Ministry rests on a “tripod” of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. Together, he said, these three pillars provide balance, legitimacy, and cultural grounding for local governance.
He stressed that District Chief Executives (DCEs) are at the heart of accountability in Ghana’s decentralisation framework and must ensure that every cedi spent is reflected in visible improvements in sanitation, health, education, and infrastructure. At the same time, Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) are expected to supervise and enforce compliance, ensuring that Assemblies are not only active but effective.
Traditional leaders, he added, play a unique role in ensuring transparency in local projects and preventing land misuse, while religious leaders, given their influence, must reinforce ethical values by speaking against corruption and waste.
“Together, these three legs of the tripod give balance and legitimacy to our work. When they operate in harmony, decentralisation becomes not just a technical process but a people-centred system that improves everyday life,” the Minister explained.
One of the key objectives of the dialogue is to ensure that local governance structures respond to citizens’ needs while promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and citizen participation. The Minister’s speech tied directly to this goal, noting that accountability must be the heartbeat of Ghana’s decentralisation reset.
He urged leaders at all levels to embrace integrity and service: “If DCEs, RCCs, Traditional Authorities, and Religious Leaders each fulfil their roles under Act 936, we will have a system where resources are managed better, citizens’ voices are heard, and governance truly improves lives.”
