Cape Coast, February 16, 2026 – The Head of the Local Government Service (LGS), Professor Lord Mensah, has concluded a three-day familiarisation tour of selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Central Region.
The visit forms part of his ongoing nationwide working tour aimed at strengthening administration and improving service delivery within Ghana’s decentralised local governance system.
Purpose of the Visit
The tour sought to:
• Assess operations at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and MMDA levels;
• Acknowledge achievements across the Region.
• Identify operational and administrative challenges.
• Engage staff and stakeholders and
• Inform policy direction and management decision-making.
Media Engagement in Cape Coast
The tour commenced with a radio discussion in Cape Coast, where Professor Mensah outlined his strategic priorities for repositioning the Service. These include:
• Data-driven decision-making
• Professionalisation of the Service
• Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
• Deepening fiscal decentralisation
He emphasised the importance of accountability, digitalisation, ethical leadership and citizen participation in building a responsive and results-oriented Local Government Service.
Professor Mensah also clarified the distinct administrative mandate of the LGS within Ghana’s decentralisation framework, noting its operational role in contrast to the policy oversight responsibilities of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Engagement with the Central Regional Coordinating Council
At the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), management highlighted the progress on the Performance Contract between Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Coordinating Directors (MMDCDs), following the national exercise held in Kumasi.
The Region reported relative peace, strong collaboration with traditional authorities, preparations towards the Central Expo scheduled for July 2026 and innovative initiatives such as farmers’ markets to support agricultural producers and promote local trade.
However, key challenges were identified, including:
• Non-functional sub-district structures
• Inadequate vehicles and logistical resources
• Erratic internet connectivity
• Delays in the release of funds
• Insufficient auxiliary staff
Address to Staff and Management
In his address to staff at the CRCC and selected districts, Professor Mensah reiterated that since assuming office in June 2025, his administration has prioritised process reform, systems strengthening and improved human resource management.
He expressed concern about lapses in punctuality and discipline, improper routing of correspondence, non-compliance with leave procedures, abandonment of post and weak departmental leadership. He urged strict adherence to institutional hierarchy and due process.
The Head of Service further called on Management to:
• Ensure compliance with postings.
• Recognise that leave of absence is equivalent to resignation under existing regulations.
• Prioritise staff capacity development and short courses;
• Ensure prudent utilisation of capacity-building funds; and
• Improve working conditions and logistical support.
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, together with Coordinating Directors, were encouraged to foster trust, teamwork and collaboration within their respective Assemblies.
Conclusion
The Central Region, as the second stop on the nationwide tour, provided valuable insights into both the progress and persistent constraints affecting decentralised governance.
Professor Mensah reaffirmed his commitment to addressing immediate administrative concerns and escalating broader policy matters where necessary, as part of efforts to build a world-class, decentralised and client-oriented Local Government Service.