The Minister of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, has underscored the government's commitment to decentralization and job creation through strategic infrastructure development and the establishment of regional offices.
In a recent interview with Citi News, Minister Korsah highlighted the ministry's efforts to enhance local collaboration among various ministries and agencies. This initiative aims to localize services and activities, making management more effective and responsive to the needs of local communities.
“The process is gradual,” the Minister explained. “We are focusing on key ministries that interface with us to ensure further decentralization. For example, in the education sector, there's a plan to centralize as much as possible. This will make managing education at the local level more effective, rather than having a top-heavy system that struggles to address issues at the grassroots.”
Korsah also emphasized the significant impact of creating new regions, which has improved national representation and fostered a more inclusive and consultative governance process. He pointed out that facilities previously limited to a few regions are now being replicated in newly established regions.
“Every facility that existed in the original regions is now being replicated in the new ones,” he said. “For instance, Bono East is getting a regional hospital, similar to the ones in Sunyani and Ahafo. This expansion not only brings governance closer to the people but also accelerates development and creates jobs for Ghanaians.”
The establishment of these facilities generates employment opportunities for local residents, further embedding the benefits of decentralization. By centralizing governance and accelerating development, the government is not only bringing services closer to the people but also ensuring the creation of jobs and enhancing the decision-making process by involving previously excluded structures.
Minister Korsah’s statements reflect a clear strategy to decentralize power, bring services closer to the people, and stimulate local economies through job creation and infrastructure development. This approach promises a more responsive and inclusive governance system, with tangible benefits for communities across the country.