Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has chaired a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation to assess progress on the implementation of Ghana’s National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (2026–2030).
The Framework, which was recently approved by Cabinet, is expected to provide a stronger direction for local governance, decentralisation and public service delivery across Ghana.
Government Focuses on Implementing Decentralisation Framework
Speaking on the importance of the Framework, the Vice President emphasised that Cabinet approval is only the beginning, with effective implementation now being the key priority.
She noted that successful decentralisation should help bring government services and decision-making closer to citizens, while ensuring that development programmes respond more effectively to the needs of communities across the country.
The implementation of the policy will require stronger cooperation among government ministries, departments and agencies, particularly because sectors such as education, healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, finance and local government are closely connected.
Government institutions, therefore, need to coordinate their activities and avoid operating independently or in isolated sectors.
Citizen Participation and Accountability Key to Decentralisation
The Vice President also stressed the importance of citizen engagement, accountability and adequate funding in achieving the objectives of Ghana’s decentralisation programme.
Citizens need to understand the reforms, the responsibilities of public institutions and the various ways they can participate in strengthening local governance and community development.
The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation plays an important role in this process by providing a platform for dialogue, coordination and joint action among government institutions.
New Decentralisation Policy to Improve Public Services
The immediate task, according to the Vice President, is to transform the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework 2026–2030 into practical measures that improve public services and make a tangible difference in the lives of Ghanaians.
Effective implementation of the policy is expected to strengthen local government administration, improve service delivery and promote responsive community development across Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com