Ghana's 68th Independence anniversary: Reflect! Review! Reset! - New era for local governance, development

On March 6, 1957, Ghana became a free and sovereign nation.

Sixty-eight years later, on March 6, 2025, Ghana stands at another pivotal moment in its journey.

On the theme: "Reflect! Review! Reset!,” this year’s independence anniversary is not merely a celebration of past victories but a clarion call to action for the future.

It is a moment to reimagine governance, redefine development and reset the nation’s trajectory towards a more inclusive and efficient system.

This year’s celebrations coincide with the dawn of a new administration following Ghana’s general election.

Under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government has embarked on a bold and transformative journey to reshape the country’s governance structure. 

At the heart of this transformation is the creation of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), a strategic fusion of three former ministries designed to streamline operations, eliminate redundancies and bring governance closer to the people. 

 Birth, MLGCRA

The MLGCRA is the result of a major restructuring of government institutions, formalised through Executive Instrument (E.I) 1 on January 9, 2025.

It merged the erstwhile Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), the sanitation sector of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MCRA) into a single, cohesive entity. 

This realignment is a decisive step toward strengthening governance at the local level, ensuring that decentralisation efforts are more effective, sanitation policies are well-coordinated and chieftaincy and religious affairs are properly integrated into national development.

To oversee this transition, a committee has been set up to integrate the structures, policies and operational frameworks of the former ministries into the new entity.

Their mandate is clear; review existing systems, align them with Ghana’s decentralisation vision and create a governance structure that truly serves its people.

Reset for efficiency, impact

The establishment of MLGCRA signals a deliberate effort to refine governance; ensuring that institutions are better aligned for efficiency and impact.

By bringing together these three portfolios, the government aims to create a more cohesive, cost-effective and results-driven administrative system. 

This restructuring allows for better coordination of policies, elimination of bureaucratic redundancies and a stronger push for decentralisation, a cornerstone of Ghana’s development strategy.

A key aspect of this transition is the emphasis on improving local governance by strengthening Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

With decentralisation at its core, the new ministry is expected to provide clearer direction, better resource allocation and improved service delivery at the local level.

This is a critical step towards ensuring that governance is not just a top-down process but one that empowers communities and addresses their unique needs.

The integration of the sanitation sector into MLGCRA is another significant move.

Previously under a separate ministry, sanitation policies will now be managed and enforced more directly by local governance structures.

But beyond sanitation, this realignment carries deeper implications for Ghana’s governance architecture. 

By incorporating chieftaincy and religious affairs into the ministry, the government recognises the crucial role traditional and religious institutions play in national cohesion and development.

Chieftaincy remains a powerful force in local administration, dispute resolution and cultural preservation, while religious institutions continue to shape social values and community development.

With this new framework, policies concerning these sectors will be more strategically aligned with Ghana’s broader decentralisation and governance agenda, ensuring that traditional and religious leaders are actively engaged in decision-making processes that affect their communities.

This holistic approach signifies more than just administrative restructuring; it is a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to inclusive governance; one that harmonises modern state administration with indigenous and religious leadership structures. 

Shaping Ghana’s future together

The creation of MLGCRA is a reflection of the country’s commitment to evolving with the times. Just as the independence struggle required vision, collaboration and collective action, this governance shift calls for the participation of traditional authorities, religious leaders, local government officials, community leaders and citizens in shaping a more effective governance system.

The Reflect! Review! Reset, transformation should not be seen merely as a policy change, but as an opportunity for all Ghanaians to engage governance in a more meaningful way.

A well-structured ministry, aligned with the needs of local communities, has the potential to drive sustainable development, strengthen national unity and create a more responsive and efficient government.

(The writer is a public relations officer with the MLGCRA/staff, Information Services Department (ISD).

E-mail: darling.cann@mlgrd.gov.gh/darling.cann@isd.gov.gh