Local Government of Ghana

Ministry: Local Government and Rural Development

Association: National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana

Ghana has ten regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta and Western. Each region is represented in central government by a minister.

Local government is provided for by the Local Government Act 1993, and it is enshrined in the constitution. Local government is delivered by metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies. In each assembly area there are elected councils and unit committees onto which service delivery is devolved. Local elections are held every four years.

The assemblies have revenue-raising powers, and they receive transfers from national government including the District Assemblies’ Common Fund, whereby at least 7.5% of GDP must be transferred to the assemblies each year. The assemblies are responsible for public health; environmental protection; sanitation; and basic education (national government determines educational policy). Responsibility for social welfare is shared between central and local government.