Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has stated that the government’s 24-hour market programme aims to enhance local economic development.
He explained that the initiative intends to boost income generation for traders, create jobs particularly for youth and women and improve urban safety and sanitation.
Mr Ibrahim also the Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency made the remarks during the annual closing and New Year procession of the Church of Pentecost-Berekum Area, Goka Pentecost Prayer Camp, held at Goka in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region attended by over 1,000 congregants from various locations.
According to the Minister, the programme involved extending trading hours, upgrading market infrastructure, installation of CCTV systems, enhancing waste management promoting digital payments with partnership between government, traditional authorities and the private sector.
Mr Ibrahim urged stakeholders including traders and security, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional leaders, religious leaders, traders, and security agencies to support the initiative for resilient and inclusive local economy.
He assured Ghanaians that government was committed to providing the policy, institutional and financial support for the merger of the ministries, the sanitation initiative and other local development programmes.
The Ministry will continue to build the capacity of registrars, traditional council members and faith-based partners to adapt to the new administrative arrangements with training programmes and closer coordination with local assemblies will remain key priorities he added.
Mr Ibrahim reiterated that the success of the initiatives hinged on the collective commitment of all stakeholders, therefore, calling on everyone to act as catalysts for change, promoting efficiency, transparency, discipline, and harmony among the Ministry, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and local government bodies.
He stressed the importance of building bridges not barriers between Ghana’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage and modern governance systems.
Mr Ibrahim said the merger of the Ministry of Local Government with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs marked a new chapter in Ghana’s governance, one that underscores unity, integration and shared responsibility.
“Together, we can enhance the role of chieftaincy and religion in national development, promote effective local governance and build cleaner, safer and more resilient communities”, he said.
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