Ghana’s Head of Local Government Service Prof. Mensah calls for stronger local governance on Africa Day 2026
The Head of the Local Government Service (LGS), Ghana, Professor Lord Mensah, has emphasised the critical role of local governance in achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 aspirations, calling for stronger district-level systems to drive sustainable development across the continent.
Speaking at the Africa Day Celebration and Leadership Dialogue 2026 held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra on May 25, Prof. Mensah said Africa’s development goals could only become a reality if they were translated into practical benefits for communities through effective local governance.
Professor Lord Mensah said it was a privilege to participate in the Africa Day 2026 commemoration and acknowledged TheAfricanDream LLC and the Pan-African Union Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission for the opportunity to engage leaders in reflecting on Africa’s shared future, at the event held under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water, Technology, Peace and Security for Agenda 2063.”
According to Prof. Mensah, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) remain the frontline institutions responsible for implementing development policies and ensuring service delivery at the local level. He noted that decentralisation was not merely an administrative process but a governance model that brings accountability and development closer to the people.
Addressing sustainable water management, Prof. Mensah highlighted challenges including infrastructure deficits, climate variability, financing gaps, and poor planning data. He explained that the Local Government Service was strengthening district planning systems, improving collaboration with agencies such as the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, and promoting data-driven decision-making to improve water access and sanitation services.
On technology, the LGS Head said the Service was advancing digital transformation through initiatives such as the Local Government Information System, online revenue mobilization platforms, smart workplace systems, and e-permitting services. He stated that technology was helping districts improve transparency, enhance revenue collection, and support data-based planning and citizen engagement.
Prof. Mensah also stressed the importance of peace and security at the district level, noting that development could not thrive in unstable environments. He said MMDAs, District Security Committees, traditional authorities, and civil society groups all had vital roles to play in conflict prevention, early warning systems, and promoting community cohesion.
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He further disclosed that the LGS was aligning its operations with Ghana’s National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism through inclusive governance, youth engagement, and equitable service delivery. According to him, responsive governance and fair access to public services remain key tools for sustaining peace within communities.
Concluding his address, Prof. Mensah called for greater political will, stronger partnerships, adequate financing for MMDAs, and improved accountability systems to ensure Agenda 2063 succeeds at the district level. He urged stakeholders across government, the private sector, civil society, and development organizations to support local governance as the engine of Africa’s transformation.
Written by Oral Ofori