Ghana Districts: A repository of all Local Assemblies in Ghana

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A look at Ghana’s Local Government Ministers since 1993

Since the return to constitutional rule in 1992, Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government has seen a diverse array of leaders, each bringing their own approach to decentralization, rural development, and local governance reforms. A total of 16 ministers have held the portfolio across different political administrations, reflecting both continuity and change in the nation’s governance landscape.

Date Created : 8/12/2025 : Story Author : Ghanandistricts.com

The first Local Government Minister under the Fourth Republic was Kwamena Ahwoi, serving two consecutive terms (1993–2001) under President Jerry John Rawlings. Ahwoi is widely credited with laying the foundational policies for Ghana’s decentralization framework, strengthening Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

Under President John Agyekum Kufuor, the ministry saw several leadership changes: Kwadwo Baah Wiredu (2001–2003) focused on urban infrastructure improvements. Kwadwo Adjei Darko had two separate stints (2003–2005 and 2007–2009), championing rural sanitation and community development. Charles Binipom Bintim (2005) and Stephen Asamoah Boateng (2006–2007) each had short tenures, marked by localized development projects.

President John Evans Atta Mills appointed Joseph Yieleh Chireh (2009–2011) and Samuel Ofosu Ampofo (2011–2012), with Ampofo continuing briefly under President John Dramani Mahama in 2012. Mahama’s first term saw Julius Debrah (2014–2015) and Akwasi Oppong Fosu (2015–2017) lead efforts to boost local governance funding and improve waste management.

Under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term, Hajia Alima Mahama became the first and only female to head the Ministry of Local Government. Daniel Kwaku Botwe (2021–2024) under President Nana Addo’s 2nd term minister, he oversaw digital initiatives to improve local governance transparency. Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah (2024 to Dec.2025), policy reviews to streamline MMDA funding.

The current minister, Ibrahim Ahmed (appointed 2025 under Mahama’s second term), is tasked with addressing urban congestion and improving rural infrastructure.

From Ahwoi’s pioneering decentralization strategies to Ibrahim Ahmed’s modern policy focus, each minister has left a distinct imprint on the Ministry. While some faced short stints, others enjoyed longer terms that allowed them to shape policy direction significantly. However, gender balance remains a challenge, with only one female in over 30 years leading the ministry.

As Ghana continues to pursue decentralization and rural development, the legacy of past ministers and the vision of the current leadership will shape how effectively governance reaches every corner of the country.

You can view the full list of the local government ministers since the inception of the 4th republic.

Ghanadistricts.com