On September 10, 2024, the Director of BIRD, Dr. Mrs Monica Addison participated in the launch of the revised local economic development (LED) policy and implementation plan for 2024-2029 as the chairperson. The workshop brought together different stakeholders from government, academia, civil society and other non-state actors. In her opening remarks the Director of BIRD acknowledged the importance of the Local Economic Development Policy in addressing the challenges that have persisted in Ghana’s efforts to stimulate and galvanize local economies across the country. While acknowledging that the expected outcomes of the revised LED policy are ambitious, she indicated her believe that with hard work and commitment it is possible to achieve the outcomes set out in the revised LED policy. In her remarks, the Director of BIRD stressed the positive contributions that the implementation of the revised LED policy is likely to yield:
“We anticipate a shift in MMDA operations towards more business-friendly engagements, fostering the growth of locally owned businesses with robust support from the national level. Additionally, this policy aims to expand local financing opportunities, improve access to business development services and enhance social cohesion by building trust, promoting gender equity and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups”.
In her closing remarks, she thanked all the speakers for their excellent thought-provoking talks and the moderator for keeping the entire programme under control and reasonably on time. She concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to remain committed to the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Ghana, where every district, every community, and every citizen can thrive. She further stressed on the need for continued support and collaboration in achieving the goals set out in the policy document.
