LED Policy: Renewed hope for local communities
The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development has introduced a strategic framework (Local Economic Development [LED] Policy {2024-2029}), designed to promote economic growth and development at the local level.
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The Daily Graphic believes that it is a good initiative that must be emulated by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Certainly, if it is to promote economic development at the local level, all citizens must come on board to support the initiative.
Many a time, such initiatives have gone unexecuted because of partisan politics. For this initiative to succeed, therefore, it must transcend partisan considerations. We urge all citizens to set aside party affiliations and support the policy.
Funding, which has become a perennial obstacle, must be addressed. It is one factor that has been a major obstacle to the successful implementation of many laudable initiatives in the past.
We, thus, urge that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) must be released timeously to enable Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies (MMDAs) to undertake economically viable projects such as markets, lorry parks and motorable roads that are vital for local economic growth.
We also note that many of our MMDAs do not have resilient Internally Generated Fund (IGF) sources. This is because their IGF base which is mainly made up of Property Rate , Business Operating Permits, Lorry Park and Market Tolls, is largely hinged on the local economic potentials of the respective MMDAs.
This is where we believe the LED policy has the potential to enhance local economic growth by utilising local resources and in turn, improve livelihoods.
The implementation of the initiative also has the potential to foster the inclusion at the grassroots level, something many people have long yearned for as a means to enhance the health of our democracy.
The Daily Graphic thinks that it is crucial to ensure broad stakeholder involvement in its implementation. The policy should not be an Accra-based document as the collaborative approach will ensure that the policy addresses the actual needs and challenges at the local level sustainably.
As the policy is implemented, we pray that priority would be given to the interests of the people the policy is really intended for instead of a select few in places of power or political party affiliates.
Implementation must not be marred by political party colourisation; the policy’s benefits must be distributed fairly and based on merit.
The policy must allow businesses at the local level to prosper and create jobs for the benefit of the local economy.
We propose that as the policy is rolled out, we should encourage the promotion of Made-in-Ghana products while investing heavily in infrastructure such as roads and public transport.
We must also ensure availability and reliability of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet access to enable businesses to operate more efficiently and compete within the digital marketplace.
It is obvious that the success of this initiative hinges on government agencies that are to provide the requisite financial support and investment advisory services. We urge such bodies to intensify their support to local businesses.
The government can also go into public-private partnerships (PPPs), where private businesses team up with the government for strategic developmental projects leveraging private funds and expertise.
This is also an opportune time for the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to develop targeted plans that will help local communities leverage local natural, historic, and cultural assets to attract tourists to boost the local hospitality sector.
The Local Economic Development [LED] Policy, 2024-2029, is a thoughtful and well-designed policy document. The objectives and supporting strategies, when successfully implemented, will go a long way to improve and strengthen Ghana’s local government architecture.
The policy is coming at a time when Ghanaians are expressing major reservations about our local government architecture and are somewhat detached from it.
The Daily Graphic urges all Ghanaians to come on board by setting aside partisan interests, supporting local economic development, engaging in broad stakeholder involvement and prioritising grassroots inclusion. Collective commitment will ensure the policy's success, benefiting both current and future generations.
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