Prez Akufo-Addo approves upgrades for Ho, Sunyani, New Juaben and Wa from municipalities to metropolises
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted executive approval for the reclassification of select districts and municipalities, a move aimed at improving local governance and promoting development.
The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGRD) announced these changes in a press release on December 4, 2024. The decision follows a request from the ministry and aligns with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
Key Upgrades
Municipalities Elevated to Metropolises:
- Ho Municipal Assembly → Ho Metropolitan Assembly
- Sunyani Municipal Assembly → Sunyani Metropolitan Assembly
- New Juaben South Municipal Assembly → New Juaben South Metropolitan Assembly
- Wa Municipal Assembly → Wa Metropolitan Assembly
Districts Elevated to Municipalities:
- Offinso North District Assembly → Offinso North Municipal Assembly
- Birim North District Assembly → Birim North Municipal Assembly
- Karaga District Assembly → Karaga Municipal Assembly
Administrative and Legal Framework
The MLGRD highlighted that these upgrades are subject to the completion of legal and administrative processes. Minister Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to decentralize governance and improve service delivery.
The upgraded status is expected to empower local assemblies, enabling them to better address community needs, streamline service delivery, and drive socioeconomic development.
As part of the transition, the government will undertake the necessary legal formalities to formalize the reclassifications. This decision underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening local governance and enhancing the efficiency of public administration at the grassroots level.
