As part of the preparatory processes towards the implementation of the 2026 Performance Management System (PMS) of the Local Government Service (LGS), the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service (OHLGS) held a validation session for the proposed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under the Performance Contracts of the Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCCs). The validation exercise was immediately followed by the formal signing of the 2026 Performance Contracts between the Regional Ministers and their respective Regional Co-ordinating Directors (RCDs).
The event, organized by the OHLGS, took place on Tuesday, 27th January, 2026, at the Palm Gardens Resort, Kaase–Kumasi.
Delivering the welcome address, the Host Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, described the engagement as a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of all stakeholders to accountability, results-oriented governance, and improved service delivery across the regions. He noted that the exercise represents a critical step towards the achievement of the President’s Reset Agenda, as it promotes discipline in public administration, strengthens institutional performance, and ensures that government policies translate into tangible outcomes for citizens. He commended all stakeholders for their constructive contributions and continued dedication to strengthening Ghana’s decentralised governance framework.
In his keynote address, the Head of the Local Government Service, Prof. Lord Mensah, underscored the strategic importance of institutionalising and operationalising a robust Performance Management System within the LGS to entrench a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement across all institutions and officers of the Service. He emphasised that performance management remains a critical strategic tool for enhancing productivity, strengthening institutional resilience and promoting a results-driven public service.
He explained that the 2026 Performance Contracts for the RCCs cover four (4) Key Performance Areas (KPAs): General Administration, Human Resource Management, Financial Management and Service Delivery. The associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), he noted, have been carefully selected and reviewed to ensure alignment with national development priorities as well as Ghana’s international commitments.
The programme was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA). In her opening remarks, she reiterated Government’s commitment to deepening decentralisation to achieve meaningful and sustainable local economic development at the sub-national level.
She charged the Regional Ministers to provide the requisite leadership in coordinating the efforts of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure that Government flagship programmes receive the urgency and attention they require.
Speaking on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Co-ordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), the Executive Secretary, Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, stated that the validation and signing of the performance contracts represent a significant shift towards improved service delivery, enhanced coordination, and better development outcomes. He noted that under the new decentralisation policy direction, performance management must evolve from a routine reporting exercise into a strategic instrument for reform, learning and continuous improvement.
He further indicated that the IMCCoD views the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen both vertical and horizontal accountability, between RCCs and District Assemblies, RCCs and sector Ministries and ultimately between government institutions and the citizens they serve.
He urged all participants to approach the implementation of the contracts with renewed purpose, professionalism and accountability, in line with the objectives of Ghana’s decentralisation reforms. He called on stakeholders to collectively reset democratic decentralisation, not merely in rhetoric but through concrete action that delivers accountable public service and accelerated local development for all Ghanaians.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson of the Local Government Service Council, Ambassador Akua Sena Dansua, assured participants of the Council’s full support in enabling RCCs to effectively carry out their mandate.
On the way forward, Prof. Lord Mensah requested all Regional Co-ordinating Councils to organise the signing of the 2026 Performance Contracts for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) between Monday, 26th January and Friday, 6th February, 2026.
He further directed that copies of the Declaration Page (Section 12 of the Contract Document), together with a brief report and photographs from the signing ceremonies, should be submitted to the Office of the Head of Service by Friday, 13th February, 2026.
He concluded by calling for the full cooperation of all Hon. Regional Ministers and Regional Co-ordinating Directors to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the Local Government Service Performance Management System across the Service.
