Germany to support Ghana in  decentralisation programme

Germany has pledged its support to Ghana to ensure the success of her decentralisation programme. 

The Ambassador, Dr. Renate Shimkoreit, gave the pledge when she paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Opong-Fosu at his office in Accra. 

The Ambassador said her country considers decentralisation as a crucial task Ghana has taken upon herself and will do whatever it can to ensure that it succeeds. 

Dr. Shimkoreit said Germany through GIZ will assist the Ministry with preparations towards the mid-term review of the District Development fund. She expressed the need to strengthen the fund by integrating other vital components. 

The Ambassador said she is impressed with what has been achieved by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly on its development drive. 

The Minister, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Commended Germany for its development assistance  to Ghana over the years. He said the country has come far in the decentralisation programme and will need more support by  way of training and manpower development  and  the country hopes to benefit from Germany's experience in this regard. 

Mr. Opong Fosu said the Ministry will this year ensure that the Assemblies tackle street naming and house numbering. He said the policy document has already been presented to Cabinet. 

Also to be tackled seriously by the Ministry is the Social accountability project where the Assemblies will be expected to interact with the people  in town hall meetings on their development initiatives.  	 

GBC