The Minister of Local Government, Regilious Affairs and Chieftaincy, Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim has reported that government is advancing administrative processes for the upgrading of districts and municipalities following extensive consultations and technical assessments. Honourable Ibrahim indicated that petitions received between 2020 and 2024 formed the basis of the current review process leading to executive consideration.
The Minister of Local Government explained that executive approval for several upgrades was granted in December 2024 under the previous administration, though legislative processes were delayed due to post election transitions. He added that the Local Governance Act, 2016 requires parliamentary approval through legislative instruments before such changes take effect.
Honourable Ibrahim further disclosed that a technical committee chaired by Hon Johnson Asiedu Nketiah was constituted in December 2025 to review proposals and conduct field assessments. The committee was mandated to engage traditional authorities, state agencies and local leaders to validate requests for elevation.
The Minister of Local Government stated that the committee completed its work and recommended the upgrading of 12 municipalities alongside one district to metropolis status. Additionally, 20 districts were recommended for elevation to municipal status after evaluation of administrative readiness and population thresholds.
Honourable Ibrahim emphasised that the findings have been submitted to the Presidency for consideration and executive approval before onward transmission to Parliament. He assured that Techiman is included in the list of areas captured under the proposed upgrades awaiting final processing.
During his presentation, he highlighted procedural continuity within local governance reforms across administrations. He stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that all legal and institutional requirements are fully observed before implementation proceeds.
“The Ministry received numerous petitions requesting elevation of districts and municipalities and followed technical assessment procedures and once approval is granted the Ministry will follow due process including laying of legislative instruments in Parliament.”
Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim
Honourable Ibrahim also stressed that decentralisation reforms remain central to strengthening governance structures nationwide. He noted that consultation with traditional leaders and stakeholders continues to guide decision making within the Ministry.
Oversight Gaps Exposed in Astroturf Project Implementation Nationwide
The Minister of Local Government, Regilious Affairs and Chieftaincy explained that several Astroturf projects fall outside the direct oversight of his Ministry due to varied implementing agencies. Honourable Ibrahim noted that institutions such as GNPC, Ghana Gas, DACF and Bui Power Authority independently executed sports infrastructure projects across the country.
The Minister of Local Government stated that the fragmented approach has created accountability gaps in the management and utilisation of public sports facilities. He added that some projects were awarded without complete documentation, making tracking and verification difficult for state oversight bodies.
Honourable Ibrahim further indicated that discussions are ongoing with the Minister for Youth and Sports to consolidate Astroturf management under a unified institutional framework. He stressed that centralisation would improve control, revenue accountability and maintenance of facilities nationwide.
The Ranking Member highlighted instances where multiple agencies financed projects within the same communities without clear coordination. He noted that such overlaps resulted in underutilisation of spaces and confusion over ownership and operational responsibility.
Honourable Ibrahim explained that some projects were initiated through informal arrangements that lacked written contracts. He described situations where contractors began work based on verbal instructions, creating difficulties in enforcement and compliance monitoring.
The Minister of Local Government also referenced ongoing efforts to regularise legacy projects under district assemblies. He stated that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are now absorbing several incomplete projects previously managed by development agencies.
“Some projects were awarded by word of mouth without documents to support execution. Parliament may need to intervene to investigate and regularise outstanding infrastructure projects nationwide.”
Honourable Ahmed Ibrahim
He added that collaboration between Parliament and the Executive remains essential to resolving structural gaps in public infrastructure delivery. The Minister indicated that reforms will focus on improving documentation, accountability and long term sustainability of state funded projects.
Honourable Ibrahim concluded that stronger coordination mechanisms will prevent duplication and ensure efficient use of national resources in future infrastructure development.
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