The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development in collaboration with the World Bank held a one-day Deep Dive workshop with Development Partners (DPs) on 4th May, 2023 in Accra.
The workshop was organised as part of efforts to partner with Development Partners (DPs) and other organisations implementing interventions in northern part of Ghana, to promote a more coordinated and integrated approach to development of these areas. Additionally, it sought to further concretise ongoing dialogue on areas of collaboration to foster greater impact in terms of Local Economic Development, Digital Innovations, Local Governance and Social Cohesion.
This first Deep Dive Workshop was to further concretise how the Ministry can coordinate implementation of programs in the North of Ghana for greater development impact.
In attendance at the opening ceremony of the workshop was high officials of the World Bank, Northern Development Authority and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. Representing the World Bank was Madam Agata Pawlowska, Operations Manager, Dr Sulemana Abdulai, Board Chair of the Northern Development Authority, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. The session was moderated by Mrs. Pamela Adofo Ansong the Project Focal Person at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
Madam Pawloska in her opening remarks stated that “only cooperation amongst all stakeholders and partners would bring results”. She therefore called on stakeholders to “explore ways to promote coordinated and integrated development and jobs in northern Ghana”. The Chief Director, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman added that the implementation of the SOCO project calls for a joint action to coordinate development in the northern part of Ghana.
The Deep Dive Workshop, had representatives from Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; HC- Canada; United States Agency for International Development (USAID); World Food Programme (WFP); National Youth Authority (NYA); National Development Planning Commission (NDPC); National Youth Authority (NYA); National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE); Microsoft; United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF); Peace Council and Star Ghana; in attendance.
Beyond this initial deep dive workshop, the Ministry will continue engagements with other DPs to explore potential partnerships to sustain the dialogue. It is anticipated that the Deep Dive will set the right stage for the right partnerships for better impact in development programmes in Ghana.
A larger DP forum will also be convened – as part of the Conference on Northern Ghana later this year in partnership with Northern Development Authority (NDA), to bring together DPs working in the northern parts of the country to discuss collaborations on various fronts. The Forum will also facilitate a roadmap for joint action for coordinated and integrated development in the North of Ghana. We will keep you updated!