Eastern Region, Ghana (January 12–16, 2026) – The Head of the Office of the Local Government Service (OHLGS), Prof. Lord Mensah, has completed a five-day working tour of the Eastern Region aimed at strengthening human resource management systems and enhancing service delivery across regional and district local government structures.
During engagements with management and staff, Prof. Mensah expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to his delegation and commended officers for their dedication and commitment to duty. Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office in June 2025, he reaffirmed his commitment to institutional efficiency and responsive governance.
“My priority has been to streamline processes and strengthen systems to ensure that the Local Government Service delivers effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of citizens,” he stated.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Head of Service to gain first-hand insight into operations at both regional and district levels while encouraging frank discussions on achievements, constraints and opportunities for improvement within the Service.
Prof. Mensah outlined four strategic pillars underpinning his vision for the Local Government Service:
Data-Driven Decision Making: He emphasized that decisions relating to postings, promotions and resource allocation must be informed by credible data to promote transparency, fairness and public confidence.
Professionalisation of the Local Government Service: He called for a disciplined, ethical, and highly professional workforce that adheres strictly to established procedures and prioritises service delivery.
Public–Private Partnerships: Prof. Mensah encouraged Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pursue credible partnerships with the private sector as a means of addressing development challenges and reducing over-reliance on central government funding.
Fiscal Decentralisation: He underscored the need to empower local governments with the capacity to manage resources efficiently and transparently to advance true decentralisation.
Addressing operational challenges, Prof. Mensah raised concerns about punctuality, discipline and adherence to reporting lines. He called on Chief Directors and Coordinating Directors to work closely to enforce administrative procedures and strengthen accountability across all levels of the Service.
He also issued a strong caution against the unethical practice of altering dates of birth in official records, noting that such actions compromise institutional integrity and could attract legal sanctions.
In line with efforts to improve staff welfare and productivity, Prof. Mensah proposed the establishment of Parent–Child Care Facilities, including office crèches, to support working parents and create a more inclusive workplace.
Looking ahead, he announced key initiatives to be rolled out across the Service, including an Anti-Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy to ensure a safe and respectful work environment, and an e- learning Platform to support continuous professional development, with a minimum target of 40 training hours per staff member annually.
Prof. Mensah called for sustained collaboration among local government leaders and staff to build a disciplined, professional and citizen-focused Local Government Service capable of delivering measurable development outcomes.
“Together, we can build a responsive Local Government Service that fulfills its mandate and genuinely serves our communities,” he affirmed.
The Eastern Regional tour served as a critical platform for engagement with staff and stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving governance and service delivery across the region.