He said the Ministry would collaborate with Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to implement the pilot, which would also include provisions for a Women Development Bank.

“We are creating the policy environment, providing security infrastructure, and working with RCCs and MMDAs to pilot 24-hour market centres with provision for the Women Development Bank,” he stated.

Mr. Ibrahim made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the opening of a two-day private sector forum on investment opportunities and access to finance for women and youth entrepreneurs in Bolgatanga.

The forum, themed “Enhancing Social Cohesion and Social Contract Through Empowerment of Women and Youth in Three Northern Regions of Ghana,” was organised by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The NDPC has developed an investment strategy toolkit to assist eight districts across the Upper East, North East, and Upper West Regions to identify their comparative advantages and develop targeted strategies to attract investment and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the strategy, a series of private sector forums will be held in the regional capitals of the three regions, focusing on the participating districts.

In the Upper East Region, the beneficiary districts include Garu, Bawku West, and Bongo.

The objective of these fora is to strengthen collaboration among private sector actors, philanthropic organisations, local government authorities, and women and youth groups, with the aim of unlocking investment opportunities and promoting local economic development.

Mr. Ibrahim noted that the 24-Hour Economy initiative, introduced by the Mahama-led government, envisions a round-the-clock productive Ghana.

“In practical terms, this means shift systems in factories, extended market hours, and nighttime public services,” he explained.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives to pay critical attention to the initiative, stressing that “The 24-Hour Economy is a reality and should be a game-changer.”

The Minister further explained that under the 24-hour economy market plan, MMDAs would situate these markets in city centres and ensure that essential services such as pharmacies, police and fire stations, health posts, and fuel stations are available around the clock.

He added that the markets would be well-lit with solar-powered energy to enable nighttime business activity, concluding: “This is what President Mahama is bringing.”

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The funds will be used to pay allowances for assembly members and traditional authorities, as well as support various projects and initiatives under the ministry.

Additionally, plans are underway to establish a National Prayer Day.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, March 27, Minister for Roads and Highways and MP for Adaklu, Governs Agbodza, assured members that the remuneration of assembly members is being addressed.

“The assembly members’ remuneration will be part of the Common Fund formula, which is being considered,” he stated.

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This assurance was given by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of ambassadors and experts.

The delegation included Simon Giger, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana; Daniel Krull, Ambassador of Germany; Arndt Wierheim, Country Sanitation Specialist at CONIWAS; and Basilia Nanbigne, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Coalition for NGOs in Water.

Discussions centered on strengthening local governance and driving sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Mr. Ibrahim emphasized the crucial role of local authorities in governance, ensuring that districts benefit from meaningful growth and development. He assured the delegation that the government is committed to utilizing the common fund effectively to create lasting change across Ghana.

Ambassador Simon Giger reaffirmed Switzerland’s support for Ghana’s local development initiatives and urged the ministry to expedite the implementation of policies discussed during the meeting.

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This was at a brief ceremony led by the Deputy Minister and Tafo MP, Vincent Assafuah on behalf of Techiman South MP and sector Minister, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah.

In his address, the Minister stated the inauguration was a significant event which marked the beginning of a new era in cross-jurisdictional planning and coordination among the seventeen GARID beneficiary Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs).

“Together, we embark on this journey with a shared vision of improved service delivery and sustainable development for all our communities. I am confident that through our combined efforts, we will achieve the objectives set forth by the ICMC and create a brighter future for our regions,” he said.

The ICMC, established under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, aims to improve coordination among the 17 Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) in the region.

This collaborative effort seeks to address pressing issues such as urban sprawl, flooding, and inadequate infrastructure, which transcend individual MMA boundaries.

This year’s theme, “Combating the Threat to Sub-Region Peace and Security: The Perspective of the Civil Service,” resonates deeply with the ministry’s mission, particularly highlighting the Gulf of Guinea Northern Region Social Cohesion Project.

The Gulf of Guinea Northern Region Social Cohesion Project, spanning five regions in the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Oti Regions, aims to promote social cohesion and reduce conflicts.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Public Relations Unit, Matilda Tettey from the Ministry emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering peace and stability in regions close to borders where conflicts often arise.

The project, which began last year, has already made significant strides.

With over 500 sub-projects underway, including the construction of mechanized boreholes, roads, and schools, the impact is tangible.

Community dialogue, local economic development, and capacity building are key components of the project, targeting youth, community leaders, and women in the region.
Despite the challenges that come with such extensive projects, the Ministry has tried to manage them effectively, with most issues resolved at the local level.

The dedication to continuing these efforts is evident, with ongoing social cohesion activities spreading messages of peace and empowerment throughout the communities.

The Ministry’s presence at the policy fair not only showcased their achievements but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the complex challenges of peace and security.

The survey, which will commence on July 24 to September 30, 2023, will seek to sample approximately 7,500 households from Greater Accra, Central and Eastern Regions.

According to the Ministry, the data collected will inform policy directions in planning effective means of transport (trotro or private) for the country.

Addressing the press on behalf of the sector minister, Director of Human Resources, Kwabena Denkyira, indicated that the survey would cover over 7,000 households across the MMDAs across the country.

“The survey will also target approximately 7,500 households across the 29 MMDAs of Ghana which cut across Greater Accra, Eastern region and Central region. We will deploy standard data collection tools to ensure statistical accuracy as well as the confidentiality of respondents.

“The Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies include Accra, Tema, La Nkwantanang-Madina, Ga West, Ga Central, Ga East, Ga South, Tema West, Ashaiman, Kpone Katamanso, Ledzokuku, Krowor, Korle klottey, La Dade-kotopon, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso Central, Okaikoi North, Adenta, Weija Gbawe, Gomoa East, Nsawam Adogyiri, Awutu Senya East and Nsawam Adogyiri district assemblies,” he said.

The Director of Human Resources at the Ministry also detailed the content of the questionnaires to be distributed.

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