Business News of 2026-09-03
IMCC Executive Secretary calls for action on Ghana’s decentralisation policy
Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on Decentralisation, Dr Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia says Ghana must now move from policy formulation to the actual implementation of its decentralisation agenda.
Speaking at a high level meeting of the IMCC chaired by Vice President, professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, Dr Hoedoafia said the approval of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework for 2026 to 2030 has provided the needed policy direction.
He said the immediate priority is to ensure that the policy produces tangible results at the local level.
“The policy framework has provided the direction. Our immediate task is to translate that direction into coordinated action, institutional change and measurable results," he said.
Dr Hoedoafia noted that the Secretariat has since the last IMCC meeting continued working with Ministries, Departments, Agencies and other stakeholders to prepare the ground for implementation.
He said progress has particularly been made on legislative and administrative reforms.
He also highlighted efforts to deepen public awareness and engagement, saying citizens must be adequately informed and involved in the decentralisation process.
According to him, this is critical to ensuring ownership and accountability.
“We have also continued to strengthen public awareness and engagement on decentralisation reforms, recognising that effective decentralisation requires not only institutional arrangements but also informed citizen participation, ownership and accountability," he emphasised.
The Executive Secretary added that the reforms have now entered a more critical phase, given the cross-sectoral nature of decentralisation.
He stressed that effective implementation will require coordinated action across government as well as sustainable financing.
“This is particularly important because decentralisation is cross-sectoral, and its success depends on aligned mandates and actions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as effective coordination and predictable, sustainable financing.”
Dr Hoedoafia further stated that the issues before the Committee are intended to establish the structures required to deliver the objectives of the national decentralisation framework.
He said the technical committee has already considered the matters and is seeking strategic direction from the IMCC.
“The Technical Committee has considered these matters and is presenting them to the IMCC for strategic policy direction and decision,” he added.
