Government has launched a national dialogue on decentralization, a crucial step towards strengthening local governance. Held in Accra, the dialogue highlights NDC administration’s dedication to reforms that empower local communities.
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of devolving power to sub-regional levels, stating,
“When completed, the policy and strategy will provide a forward-looking framework for transferring power, authority, functions, and responsibilities from the centre to the sub-regional level.”
This initiative seeks to redefine governance nationwide, fostering institutions that are more responsive to citizens’ needs. The Vice President urged participants to translate lessons from the dialogue into tangible improvements in service delivery, prioritizing efficiency, inclusivity, and accountability.
She articulated a compelling vision for Ghana’s future, saying, “Let us envision a Ghana where governance is closer to the people, where institutions are responsive, and where citizens are active participants in shaping their paths.”
The national dialogue brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, traditional authorities, civil society, the private sector, and citizens. Over the next five years, this collaborative effort aims to chart a course for Ghana’s decentralization reforms, creating a more inclusive and responsive governance framework that enhances the lives of Ghanaians.
The government is finalizing a new decentralization policy and strategy to transfer more authority to sub-regional levels. The government has already demonstrated its resolve to decentralization by disbursing over GH¢2 billion through the District Assembly Common Fund to support development initiatives and improve essential services at the community level. Indeed, by working together, the government and citizens can build a very refined future for the country with decentralization serving as a cornerstone of democratic governance and national development.
