SIC Financial Services has proposed the introduction of a Group Personal Pension Scheme (GPPS) specifically designed for Assembly Members, in a bid to improve their long-term financial security and embed a structured culture of retirement savings within local governance. The proposal was formally presented during a strategic engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA).

The Ministry, recognising the relevance and timeliness of the initiative, listened attentively and engaged closely with SIC officials. The Ministry encouraged further dialogue and consultations, especially with Assembly Members themselves, their collective groupings, and relevant association leadership. This, the Ministry believes, is key to ensuring the scheme’s design and implementation respond directly to the lived realities of local representatives across the country.

The proposal outlines a system where Assembly Members would contribute between five and ten per cent of their monthly allowances into a pension fund, aligned with the third-tier structure of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). With approximately 77 per cent of Ghana’s economy comprising informal sector workers, many of whom serve as Assembly or Unit Committee Members, this proposed scheme is positioned to bring long-overdue pension coverage to a largely unprotected segment.

An integral part of SIC’s proposal also includes a life insurance policy that would provide financial support to the families of Assembly Members who pass away while in office. This additional protection seeks to lessen the burden on families and reduce the reliance on limited local government resources during times of grief.

The overarching objective is to promote financial independence and peace of mind for Assembly Members, ensuring they can serve their communities with dedication and a sense of security. The Ministry expressed appreciation for the forward-thinking proposal and reiterated its commitment to work with key stakeholders, including the NPRA and licensed pension fund managers to examine the framework and potential modalities for implementation.

If adopted, the scheme will be rolled out with an initial sensitisation campaign to educate Assembly Members on the benefits, registration processes, and expectations. Enrolment will involve capturing essential personal and beneficiary details, followed by monthly deductions and contribution tracking through direct notifications.

To guarantee sustainability and transparency, a Board of Trustees will be established to supervise the scheme, and quarterly monitoring sessions will be held to review progress and make necessary adjustments.

This development marks a promising step towards enhancing social protection for Ghana’s local government actors. It also reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment where innovative partnerships can lead to meaningful, people-centred governance solutions.

Source: Matilda Tettey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), together with its national and international partners, has officially marked the completion of Phase One of the LoCAL-ACE Project during a Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting held on the GrEEn and LoCAL-ACE Projects.

The meeting served as a platform to reflect on the project’s implementation since its launch in 2023 across 13 districts. The LoCAL-ACE Project, designed to strengthen climate resilience at the local level—was implemented with support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the NDPC, EPA, and Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs).

Through the project, GHS 1,396,476.00 was disbursed to finance community-led climate adaptation activities, focusing on green jobs and sustainable agriculture. A key highlight was the Cash for Work (CfW) programme, which engaged over 500 beneficiaries between July and August 2023, providing income support while promoting environmental sustainability.

Throughout the project period, the Ministry conducted regular monitoring visits, internal audits, and performance assessments to ensure transparency and accountability across the 13 Municipal and District Assemblies (M/DAs). Strategic engagements such as Project Steering Committee meetings, technical sessions, and a Needs Assessment Validation Workshop guided the process.

The TWG meeting also reviewed key milestones, including the successful handover of third-cycle sub-projects and the graduation of GrEEn Project beneficiaries in August 2024. The Project Closing and Knowledge Sharing Event held in November 2024 was highlighted as a major achievement, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect, share lessons, and chart the path forward.

The project has drawn international interest, with the Royal Norwegian Embassy conducting a field visit in June 2024 to observe progress on the ground.

While challenges such as delayed reporting, funding gaps, limited private sector participation, and communication breakdowns were acknowledged, the Ministry assured that these are being addressed through improved coordination and planning.

As discussions at the TWG meeting turned to the future, preparations for Phase Two were emphasized. The next phase will focus on building district-level capacity, onboarding new Chief Executives, developing climate investment plans, and refining the performance-based financing model. Digital tools like the Digital Development Data Platform(DDDP) will be central to performance tracking and effective resource use.

LoCAL-ACE continues to stand out as a model of climate-smart local development. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and resilient local economies, ensuring no community is left behind in Ghana’s green development agenda.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has been appointed as a member of the newly inaugurated 8th National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

The 37-member Commission was inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama, who charged the body with the critical task of developing a unified, long-term national development plan that transcends political cycles and positions Ghana on a path of sustainable and inclusive transformation.

At the ceremony, President Mahama urged the Commission to "deliver a bold and transformative path" for the country, one that addresses deep-rooted structural limitations and reduces Ghana’s continued reliance on a narrow range of primary commodities. He called for the consolidation of existing long-term frameworks such as the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, Ghana@100 Long-term Framework, and Vision 2057 Perspective Plan into a single, forward-looking and people-driven national development blueprint.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim’s appointment is viewed as a strategic step in ensuring that local governance, traditional leadership, and religious affairs are fully represented in the national planning discourse. As Minister responsible for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, his presence on the Commission brings critical insight into the realities of grassroots governance, decentralised development, and the role of culture and faith in shaping public behaviour and policy outcomes.

The NDPC, established under the 1992 Constitution and governed by Acts 479 and 480, is responsible for preparing national development plans, monitoring the implementation of government programmes, and providing policy advice to the President and Parliament.

In his address, President Mahama highlighted the Commission’s role in supporting the development of the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, which he is required to present to Parliament within two years. This programme will, in turn, provide the foundation for Ghana’s next Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework, guiding government operations at both national and subnational levels for the next four years.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim’s experience in governance and local development is expected to add depth to the Commission’s work, particularly in ensuring that the new development plan is inclusive, community-oriented, and anchored in Ghana’s unique cultural and governance systems.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)