Member of Parliament for Banda and the Local Government Minister-designate, Ahmed Ibrahim, has given assurance to Ghanaians of his commitment to addressing critical challenges within the local governance system.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 21, the Banda MP stressed that the importance of empowering local assemblies and promoting accountability to foster development at the grassroots level.
During the vetting, the nominee touched on the need for improved resource allocation and capacity building for district assemblies to perform their mandated roles effectively. “Local governance is at the heart of our democracy, and we must ensure that every district has the tools it needs to thrive,” he stated.
Ibrahim also addressed concerns about delays in disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), which he described as a major obstacle to local development. “We need to adopt measures that ensure timely release of funds to assemblies, so they can meet the needs of their communities without undue delays,” he stated.
On education, he reflected on challenges faced by students and teachers in accessing quality learning facilities, particularly in underserved areas. He pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Education to align local governance policies with national priorities in education.
The nominee further spoke on the issue of law enforcement and the role of local authorities. He stressed the importance of equipping local law enforcement agencies to handle issues within their jurisdictions effectively, ensuring peace and security at the community level. “Strong local governance is not just about administration; it is about improving lives and building trust between government and the people,” he remarked.
He reiterated his ability to lead reforms and urged the committee to support his nomination. “If given the nod, I will dedicate myself to transforming the local government sector into a model of efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity,” he said.
