The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to expanding international partnerships aimed at strengthening local governance and accelerating national development through the Sister Cities International initiative.
The Ministry said the global network presents significant opportunities for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to build institutional capacity, exchange knowledge with counterparts abroad, and adopt innovative approaches to governance and service delivery.
According to the Ministry, the partnerships align with Ghana’s decentralisation agenda by enabling local authorities to learn from international best practices in urban planning, climate resilience, digital transformation, healthcare, education, tourism, youth empowerment, and economic development.
“Sister Cities International offers a unique platform for local governments to collaborate beyond national borders, fostering innovation, cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and sustainable development,” the Ministry noted.
Established more than 70 years ago, Sister Cities International has connected cities and local governments worldwide to promote friendship, peace, and mutual development through strategic partnerships.
The Ministry emphasised that local governments are increasingly playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and addressing global challenges, making international cooperation essential to improving governance and delivering quality public services.
It further stressed that stronger city-to-city partnerships would enable Ghanaian assemblies to attract investment, strengthen institutional effectiveness, promote innovation, and improve the quality of life for citizens across the country.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development, the Ministry called on local authorities and development partners to leverage international cooperation in building resilient communities capable of responding to emerging social and economic challenges.
The Ministry concluded that strengthening local governance through global partnerships remains critical to achieving sustainable development and creating a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Ghanaians.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
