The government has announced plans to abolish the Middle Belt and Coastal Development Authorities as part of a broader restructuring of regional development agencies aimed at improving efficiency and reducing duplication of mandates.
According to the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, the decision follows an internal review of the performance, relevance, and operational costs of the development authorities.
The review reportedly found overlaps in functions with other existing institutions, raising concerns about inefficiency and fragmented project delivery across regions.
Ahmed Ibrahim explained that the move is intended to streamline development planning and ensure that resources are better coordinated and more effectively directed toward priority infrastructure and social projects.
“We have written to the Attorney-General for the repeal of the Middle Belt and the Coastal Development Authority,” he said.
He further noted that the reform is part of a wider effort to reorganise how development projects are managed and implemented across the country. According to him, the restructuring will also involve the transfer of ongoing and legacy projects previously handled by the affected agencies.
“The ministry has also initiated a process to transfer the implementation of all legacy infrastructure projects inherited from the Coastal Development Authority, Northern Development Authority and Middle Belt Development Authority,” he added.
The minister clarified that not all development authorities will be affected by the decision. He specifically stated that the Northern Development Authority will continue to operate, although under a new administrative arrangement.
“As for the Northern Development Authority, it has been brought under the Office of the President,” he said.
The government maintains that the restructuring is necessary to improve accountability, eliminate duplication, and accelerate project delivery in key sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation, and public lighting. Officials argue that consolidating responsibilities will also help reduce administrative costs and improve coordination between implementing agencies.
Providing an update on ongoing infrastructure projects, Ahmed Ibrahim disclosed progress in urban development initiatives. He said 29.9 kilometres of primary and secondary drains have been completed, alongside significant improvements in street lighting.
“4,644 out of 5,416 street and security lights have been installed,” he noted.
He also reported progress in waste management infrastructure, stating that 1,040 out of 1,553 solid waste collection equipment items have been delivered to support sanitation efforts in various districts.
On project financing, Ibrahim revealed that the World Bank had disbursed $192 million as of February 2026 to support development programmes under the authorities, with an additional $50.2 million still pending.
“The remaining fund of approximately $50.2 million is yet to be disbursed,” he said, adding that the outstanding funds are expected to facilitate the completion of ongoing works.
He also provided updates on the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project, noting substantial progress in implementation. According to him, 953 out of 1,266 sub-projects have been completed under the initiative.
The minister highlighted the project’s impact on job creation and livelihoods, stating that 28,107 people have benefited economically. This includes 2,786 unskilled labourers, 3,693 skilled workers, and 21,628 members of beneficiary groups.
“In addition, 810 common interest groups were supported with livelihood grants amounting to GH¢15,923,780,” he said.
He further revealed that 2,786 community workers had received a total of GH¢2,884,150 in support under the programme.
The Middle Belt and Coastal Development Authorities were originally established to accelerate development in designated zones by focusing on infrastructure expansion, job creation, and local economic growth.
However, over time, concerns have been raised about delays in project execution and the limited visibility of results in some areas, prompting the current reforms.
