It is always pleasing to see initiatives succeed beyond their original goals. That is why CLGF is delighted to take part in the Ghana Ministry of Local Government’s work to further strengthen efforts in the country to promote and facilitate local economic development.

The Ministry will shortly be launching the Local Economic Development Policy and Implementation Plan (2024-2029). This will build on the support to the Government’s LED policy provided by CLGF in 2020. The launch will be marked by a panel discussion with a variety of experts on economic development at the local level. CLGF West Africa Regional Programme Officer, Joyce Ekuful has been asked to join the panel to give the perspective of a development Partner on Local Economic Development implementation in Ghana and provide recommendations for effective implementation of the Policy.

Business growth and job creation

Through this Policy, the Ministry aims to create a conducive environment for sustained business growth, decent job creation, and economic empowerment at the local level to create a more prosperous and inclusive society for all.

Many towns and cities continuously search for new types of economic purpose and innovative forms of entrepreneurship wherein sustainable development activities can lead to an environment in which employment opportunities can be created and sustained. In this process, local governments play a critical leadership role in planning and implementing these sustainable development measures, often navigating challenges related to capacity, resources, and stakeholder buy-in. Given that local economies serve as the backbone of national prosperity, effective Local Economic Development (LED) strategies are essential in driving job creation, stimulating entrepreneurship, and enhancing community resilience.

Empowering the public sector

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), citizens groups, private businesses, local governments, and other public sector actors need to be empowered to work together to become stronger, vibrant contributors to their communities. The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development has therefore developed a new Local Economic Development (LED) Policy and Implementation Plan and an accompanying Practitioners’ Manual, to be implemented from 2024 to 2029. The goal of the Policy is to promote a conducive environment at the district level for sustained local business growth, decent employment opportunities, and economic empowerment for all Ghanaians.

Ms Ekuful said: "This is an important initiative and I congratulate the Ministry for producing both a policy and a means to put this into practice. This is very good news for all aspects of the local economy in Ghana."