on. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah (MP) Sector Minister
In a sweeping move aimed at strengthening local governance, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved the elevation of several districts and municipalities across Ghana. This announcement, shared via a press release by the Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, on 7 November 2024, signals a major shift in Ghana’s administrative landscape. Acting under Section 3(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), the decision was made in response to recommendations from the Ministry, aiming to increase administrative capacity and resources in key areas nationwide.
Under the new structure, Kpone-Katamanso and Techiman have both been upgraded to metropolitan status, establishing them as influential hubs with enhanced resources and governance autonomy. Gomoa East has also transitioned from district to metropolis, expanding the scope of local services and infrastructure investment.
The restructuring brings more districts into municipal status, a classification expected to deliver more targeted improvements in local economies, infrastructure, and public services. Notable promotions include Bole, Afigya Kwabre South, and Obuasi East, all of which will benefit from heightened administrative focus and resources.
Newly Upgraded Assemblies
The full list of upgrades includes:
• From Municipality to Metropolis:
o Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly to Kpone-Katamanso Metropolitan Assembly
o Techiman Municipal Assembly to Techiman Metropolitan Assembly
• From District to Metropolis:
o Gomoa East District Assembly to Gomoa East Metropolitan Assembly
• From District to Municipality:
o Bole District Assembly to Bole Municipal Assembly
o Afigya Kwabre South District Assembly to Afigya Kwabre South Municipal Assembly
o Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly to Atwima Kwanwoma Municipal Assembly
o Atwima Kwanwoma North District Assembly to Atwima Kwanwoma North Municipal Assembly
o Obuasi East District Assembly to Obuasi East Municipal Assembly
o Sekyere South District Assembly to Sekyere South Municipal Assembly
o Ningo-Prampram District Assembly to Ningo-Prampram Municipal Assembly
o Anloga District Assembly to Anloga Municipal Assembly
o South Tongu District Assembly to South Tongu Municipal Assembly
o Shama District Assembly to Shama Municipal Assembly
o Techiman North District Assembly to Techiman North Municipal Assembly
o Pru East District Assembly to Pru East Municipal Assembly
Further Upgrades Under Review
The Ministry is still considering upgrades for the Ho Municipality and the Offinso North and Birim North districts. Additionally, several petitions for the creation of new districts are under review.
These changes, pending the finalization of necessary legal and administrative processes, align with President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to enhanced regional governance and economic growth.
Speaking on the upgrade, Minister Korsah emphasised, “Empowering our local authorities strengthens our democracy.” The government’s aim is to ensure that the reclassification contributes to decentralisation, allowing local governments to address the specific needs of their communities more effectively.
As Ghanaians await the completion of the legal formalities, this landmark governance shift promises to redefine service delivery, infrastructure, and economic development in several regions across the country.
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