The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, has launched the Local Economic Development Policy and Implementation Plan (2024-2029) at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Ogbojo.

This policy aims to promote a conducive environment at the district level for sustained local business growth, decent employment opportunities, and economic empowerment for all Ghanaians.

The policy is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

It also ties in with the African Union Agenda 2063, which aims to create a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The policy identifies eight objectives, 29 strategies, and 124 activities for implementation from 2024 to 2029.

These include promoting productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, as well as encouraging the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The Minister highlighted the achievements of the 2020 Policy, including the establishment of LED Platforms across all MMDAs, the integration of LED into various projects and programmes, and the training of over 3,000 officers of MMDAs and Regional Coordinating Councils in local economic development.

However, the implementation of the 2020 Policy faced challenges, including limited understanding of the concept of LED, diverse interests and perspectives of stakeholders, poor leadership, limited resources, and bureaucratic local regulations.

The 2024 Policy addresses these issues and provides a framework for inclusivity and improved economic governance.

The Minister emphasized the importance of implementing this policy to create economic opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive growth.

He encouraged all stakeholders, especially MMDAs, to leverage this policy to fully harness their local economic potentials and create an enabling business environment for the private sector to thrive.

The launch of this policy marks a significant step towards promoting local economic development in Ghana and achieving the country’s economic growth goals.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa