Ghana’s government has committed to implementing the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (NDPS) for 2026–2030. This policy aims to deepen decentralisation reforms across the country. A core component includes transferring over 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund directly to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
This significant financial transfer will strengthen local autonomy. It will accelerate development at the grassroots level. The policy will improve public service delivery and promote accountability. It will foster inclusive development in all regions.
This initiative builds on Ghana’s long-standing efforts to empower local governance structures. Past reforms have aimed to bring decision-making closer to citizens. The District Assemblies Common Fund, a portion of national revenue, supports local development projects. Direct allocation of this fund seeks to reduce delays and bureaucratic hurdles. This aligns with broader economic goals of equitable distribution of resources. The government aims to stimulate local economies through increased investments at the district level.
Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, announced this during a high-level engagement. He met with Development Partners on June 10, 2026, at Jubilee House. Mr. Debrah emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to decentralisation. He called it a key pillar for strengthening local governance. He also acknowledged the long-standing support from Development Partners. They provide policy engagement, technical assistance, and financing.
The successful implementation of this policy will depend on sustained collaboration. It requires coordinated action among all stakeholders. This includes both government bodies and development partners. The financial markets and local communities will watch closely for tangible improvements. Increased financial autonomy for MMDAs could drive significant local economic activity. It may also lead to better public infrastructure and services.
The new policy aims to enhance fiscal decentralisation. It also focuses on improving inter-governmental coordination. The government seeks to build stronger local governance institutions. This framework demonstrates a clear determination to advance these goals. The Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCC) Secretariat, Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, stressed this point. He highlighted the need to translate policy commitments into measurable improvements.
A central pillar of the reform agenda is political decentralisation. This seeks to transition the selection of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The goal is a more democratic process. The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, stated this. This reform intends to deepen local democracy by giving citizens a greater role. It will allow them to determine their local leadership. This could significantly impact political participation and local accountability.
H.E. Janine Walz, Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, commended the government. She expressed Development Partners' commitment to supporting the policy's implementation. This will be through enhanced coordination and collaboration. She noted Ghana's progress in decentralisation and resource transfers. However, she called for greater efforts to strengthen accountability and citizen participation. She also emphasised the financial autonomy of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. This ensures continued international support will be crucial for the policy's success.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties. They pledged to work together for the policy's successful implementation. The shared goal is to build responsive local governance systems. This will improve services and foster inclusive growth across Ghana. The policy marks a transformative phase in Ghana’s decentralisation journey. It positions decentralisation as a key driver of accountable governance. It also aims for efficient service delivery and accelerated local economic development.