Success of decentralisation must be measured by practical results – Veep Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized the importance of ensuring that decentralisation programmes deliver tangible benefits to people and bolster development at the grassroots level. She cautioned against evaluating the success of decentralisation solely on the basis of policies and structures, but rather on their impact on service improvements, local economic growth, and enhanced citizen welfare.

During a meeting chaired by Opoku-Agyemang, the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on Decentralisation discussed the need to engage the public in the decentralisation process through education and awareness-raising. This would help citizens comprehend the programme's objectives and their relevance to their lives.

Executively, Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia noted that the IMCC is currently assessing the progress of the decentralisation program and identifying ways to enhance its implementation. He stressed the importance of the Local Government Act in establishing the legal framework for local governance and decentralisation, and the necessity for all involved entities to collaborate under a unified framework.

The discussion also covered ongoing efforts to improve coordination among sectors related to local development, such as roads, housing, and public service delivery. The meeting reviewed some achievements under the decentralisation programme and identified areas requiring additional measures to boost implementation.

The meeting occurred following the Cabinet's approval in May 2026 of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (NDPS). This policy provides a renewed national framework for decentralisation, guiding government efforts and ensuring a consistent approach among institutions involved in local governance.