Accra: The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has in line with the provisions of Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), inaugurated its Ministerial Advisory Board.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Board will provide strategic advice, strengthen policy direction, and ensure participatory decision-making that reflects the aspirations of the Ghanaian people at all levels. It is designed to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility, aiding the Ministry in remaining focused, responsive, and accountable in the execution of its mandate.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Sector Minister, is the Chair of the Advisory Board. The other members include Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Deputy Minister of MLGCRA, Mr Amin Abdul-Rahaman, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Audrey Smock-Amoah from the National Development Planning Commission, and Professor Lord Mensah, the Head of the Local Government Service. Additional members are Dr George Yaw Amoh from the National Peace Council, Mr Owura Sarfo from the Church of Pentecost, Rev Dzifa Ami Gakpleazi from Royal House Chapel International, and Sheikh Abdul Rashid Odoi from the Office of the National Chief Imam.
Mr Ibrahim highlighted the Ministry's vital role in coordinating decentralisation, deepening local governance, managing chieftaincy and religious affairs, and improving service delivery at various levels. He emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of these tasks, which require not only technical expertise but also strong partnerships, mutual trust, and visionary leadership.
As the Board was inaugurated, Mr Ibrahim expressed hope for receiving frank, objective, and forward-looking advice necessary to drive reforms in decentralisation and local governance. He noted that the inclusion of religious and traditional stakeholders would continue to shape policies for social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, supporting the government's flagship programmes such as the 24-Hour Economy.
He extended gratitude to the religious communities for their role as pillars of moral guidance, spiritual leadership, and national unity. He reinforced that their presence on the Board underscores the importance of faith, values, and compassion in national development. The Minister assured that the Ministry would provide the necessary resources and secretarial support to enable the Board to carry out its mandate effectively, urging collaboration towards a shared vision of a Ghana where governance is local, development is inclusive, traditions are respected, and faith communities are empowered.
