Centralised decentralisation: The strings we do not see, and what managing Tema has taught me about local power
1. A Conversation in Kigali The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership convened us in Kigali in the first week of August, 2026. 40 women from 28 countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Ministers, legislators, mayors, party leaders. I was one of two Ghanaians. We had come to learn particularly from Rwanda’s remarkable trajectory […]
Centralised decentralisation: The strings we do not see, and what managing Tema has taught me about local power
In August 2026, the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership convened a gathering in Kigali, Rwanda, where 40 women from 28 African and Caribbean countries convened. Among the attendees were the two Ghanaians, including the reporter. The purpose of the gathering was to learn from Rwanda’s impressive progress in women’s political leadership, share experiences, and explore the leadership of women in African politics.
During the event, the reporter moderated a discussion with Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, Rwanda’s Chief Justice. Before her appointment to the highest judicial office in December 2024, she had led the National Service of Gacaca Courts, which adjudicated nearly 2 million cases at the village level following the Rwandan genocide. Justice Mukantaganzwa discussed her experiences with Gacaca Courts, which were rooted in African culture, dialogue, and mediation, and how they reached people close to where they lived.
As the reporter reflected on her time in Kigali, she realized that while Ghana had established a comprehensive decentralisation framework with District Assemblies, a constitutional chapter on local government, NALAG, DACF, a dedicated Ministry, RCCs, and an LGS, the reality on the ground was different.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
