Local Governance and Decentralization will determine Ghana’s ability to achieve its Vision 2057 development goals.
Speaking during a two-day orientation program for the Local Government Service Council (LGSC) in Accra, the Chairperson of the LGSC, Ambassador Akua Sena Dansua told council members that effective implementation of the decentralization strategy will determine whether Ghana becomes a “prosperous, stable, and just society by 2057.”
“Vision 2057 situates Local Governance and Decentralization not only as technical reforms, but as foundational to achieving national transformation,” she said.
The Chairperson of the 6th Local Government Service Council explained that the National Development Plan positions local governance as a fundamental instrument for promoting democratic development, efficient public service delivery, and inclusive national transformation.
“The council is well-positioned to help reset Ghana and develop Ghana fast,” Ambassador Sena added, emphasizing the weight of responsibility placed on the newly sworn-in members.
The two-day program covers the Local Government Service overview, corporate governance, fiscal decentralization, the 24 Hour Policy and the draft National Decentralization Policy and Strategy (NDPS) for 2026-2030.
Ambassador Sena admitted she initially underestimated the importance of the Council’s role but now understands the expectations from stakeholders across Ghana.
“At the end of the day, it is expected that effective implementation of the decentralization strategy will determine Ghana’s ability to meet its vision,” she said.
The Council is expected to support President John Dramani Mahama’s administration through improved local government service delivery across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District, Assemblies.
Ambassador Sena called on Council Members to take the orientation seriously and commit to making President Mahama and all Ghanaians proud through their work in Local Governance.
On her part, the Chief Director, Office of the Head of the Local Government Service, Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyeman-Boakye, said the orientation aims to equip Council Members with an understanding of governing rules and their individual and collective responsibilities in the local government system.
The 6th Local Government Service Council has predominantly new members, with only one or two reappointments from the previous term. Chief Director, Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyeman-Boakye said this composition brings together fresh perspectives with continuity.
“Your selection reflects the diverse knowledge, proven expertise and valuable experience each of you brings to matters of local governance,” Mrs. Agyeman-Boakye told the Council Members during the orientation opening.
Expert resource persons led sessions designed to provide grounding in the principles, structures, and operational realities of the Local Government Service.
Ambassador Akua Sena Dansua, the Chairperson of the Local Government Service Council, and Professor Lord Mensah, the head of the OHLGS and Council Members participated in the program, which took place on July 28 and 29, 2025. The others are the Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government, Hon. Charles Agbeve, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu and the New Juaben Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Ransford Owusu Boakye.
