He observed that decentralisation was critical for the growth of any democracy and that his government would support the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to work on its local governance projects.

The French Ambassador gave the assurance when a French delegation paid a courtesy call on Hajia Alima Mahama, the sector Minister.

Mr Pujolas indicated the need for the country to facilitate the completion of the on-going Ghana Urban Management Pilot Project (GUMMP), in Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Tamale and Ho to enhance revenue mobilisation.  

He disclosed that the ongoing projects being supervised by the Ministry was to strengthen accountability at the Central level with capacity building on spatial planning and revenue mobilisation.                                    

The Ambassador expressed worry about traders who were affected by the construction of the new markets in the four cities, urging government to factor their concerns in the developmental process.

He said the country was surrounded by French speaking countries therefore priority should be given to the teaching of the French language in the schools to build closer ties with the neighbours.

The Ambassador praised Ghana as a model in Africa in terms of democratic processes and encouraged other African countries to emulate the country to deepen their democratic process.

Hajia Mahama thanked the French delegation for their visit, which she claimed was very significant since the visit was her first day in office.

She thanked the French Embassy for their immense support for the country’s decentralisation agenda and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to facilitate the completion of the GUMMP projects.

The Minister said the Ministry would place more priority to rural development issues.

On the issue of one district one factory, the Minister stated that the project would be a collaboration effort between the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Private Sector for effective implementation.