Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Strengthening MMDAs for Local Development

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the resources and institutional support needed to accelerate local development across Ghana.

She made the remarks during the 2026 Annual Conference of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), where government officials, local government leaders and development partners met to discuss the future of decentralization and service delivery.

The Vice President said strong local institutions remain essential to national development. She noted that well-resourced assemblies can respond more effectively to the needs of their communities and deliver quality public services.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the government will continue to strengthen the capacity of MMDAs. She explained that improving local governance remains a key part of the administration’s development agenda.

She also called for stronger collaboration between central government, local authorities and development partners. According to her, sustained cooperation will help assemblies implement development projects more efficiently and improve outcomes for residents.

The Vice President urged local authorities to uphold transparency, accountability and prudent financial management. She said these principles can strengthen public confidence and ensure that communities benefit from development programs.

She also encouraged assemblies to embrace innovation and improve planning processes. She noted that effective planning allows local authorities to identify community priorities and allocate resources more efficiently.

Ghana’s decentralization policy gives MMDAs responsibility for planning and implementing development projects at the local level. The assemblies also oversee essential services, including sanitation, education support, infrastructure development and local economic initiatives.

Development experts have long argued that empowering local authorities can improve public service delivery and encourage greater citizen participation in governance. They also emphasize the importance of adequate funding, technical capacity and accountability to achieve sustainable development.

The NALAG conference provided a platform for participants to discuss practical solutions to challenges facing local government. Delegates also explored strategies to strengthen institutional capacity and improve collaboration among stakeholders.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s remarks reinforce the government’s position that effective decentralization remains central to Ghana’s long-term development strategy. The administration says it will continue working with local authorities to build stronger institutions and promote inclusive growth across the country.