Decentralisation, when effectively implemented, increases accountability – Minister

Mr Issifu Seidu, Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, has stressed that decentralisation, when effectively implemented, serves as a powerful tool for enhancing accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance.

Speaking at a reception in Accra to mark Switzerland’s 734th National Day, Mr Seidu said Ghana continued to value Switzerland’s cooperation in strengthening democratic governance and decentralisation.

He emphasised that effective decentralisation not only improved service delivery at the local level but also built trust between citizens and the state.

“Decentralisation, when effectively implemented, increases accountability because decisions are taken closer to the people and public officials can be held directly responsible by the communities they serve,” the Minister said.

He noted that Ghana’s decentralisation drive remained central to the government’s vision of deepening democracy, empowering local communities, and ensuring inclusive development.

Mr Seidu reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to decentralisation and governance reforms, noting that accountability at the local level was key to national progress.

“When people are part of decision-making, when they can hold their leaders to account directly, governance works better for everyone,” he said.

Switzerland’s support over the years, he added, had been instrumental in strengthening the capacity of local governments, particularly through governance reforms and technical cooperation.

The Minister commended Switzerland for recognising the importance of decentralisation under its newly launched Economic Cooperation Programme with Ghana (2025–2028), which is designed to empower local governments and enhance participatory governance.

Madam Simone Giger, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Benin and Togo, described decentralisation as a cornerstone of Switzerland’s democratic tradition.

She explained that in her country, the cantons were not mere administrative units but “vital laboratories of democracy” where decisions were made as close as possible to the people.

“The decentralized structure of our government ensures that decisions are made by those most affected. This has allowed Switzerland to build strong accountability structures and foster trust between citizens and leaders,” Ambassador Giger said.

She noted that Ghana’s democratic achievements over the past three decades, including peaceful elections and constitutional reforms, had positioned the country as a model for Africa.

Ambassador Giger stated that Switzerland was pleased to partner Ghana in strengthening decentralisation and consensus-building, particularly by involving women and youth in policymaking.

“Together with our Ghanaian partners, we strive to further inter-party dialogue and promote consensus building among parliamentarians and politicians,” she said.

She added: “In any referendum to come, Ghana can count on Switzerland’s experience and support, after all, we are the world champions in organising referenda.”

The Ambassador added that the Economic Cooperation Programme with Ghana prioritised decentralisation as a vehicle for inclusive governance, building on Switzerland’s centuries-old democratic tradition that thrives on compromise, participation, and accountability.

Ghana’s decentralisation process dates back to the early 1990s with the introduction of district assemblies as the highest political authority at the local level.

Over the years, reforms have sought to devolve power, resources, and decision-making to districts, municipalities, and metropolitan authorities.

While the process has made progress in expanding local governance, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring financial independence, effective citizen participation, and capacity-building for local officials.

Ambassador Giger praised Ghana’s democratic literacy, noting that her observation of the 2024 general elections in Ho and Takoradi left her impressed by the vigilance and participation of citizens.

She described Ghana’s democracy as “equally impressive” compared to Switzerland’s long-standing model and urged continuous reforms to strengthen accountability.

The Swiss National Day reception brought together Ghanaian government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, civil society, and the Swiss community in Ghana.

Source: GNA

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