CCMG pushes for decentralised migration governance in Ghana

• The CCMG has called for migration governance to be decentralised to district assemblies in Ghana.
• The National Development Planning Commission has introduced a policy requiring district assemblies to incorporate migration into their development agendas.
• A digital platform is being proposed to support decentralised migration governance and provide local authorities with essential information and resources.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Migration in Ghana (CCMG) has been at the forefront of advocating for a shift in migration governance from the national level to district assemblies. This push for decentralisation is driven by the recognition that foreign nationals are present in communities across the country, making local-level management essential. The CCMG's efforts have already yielded results, with the National Development Planning Commission introducing a policy requiring district assemblies to incorporate migration into their development agendas. However, more needs to be done to empower these assemblies to effectively manage migration-related issues.

Migration governance has long been handled primarily from the national level, but this approach has its limitations. As Eric Boakye Peasah, the National President of CCMG, pointed out, most migration activities, challenges, and opportunities play out at the local level. This is why decentralisation is crucial in ensuring that migration management is more effective and responsive to local needs. By empowering district assemblies to take charge of migration-related issues, the country can better address the complexities of migration at the grassroots level.

To bridge the information gap and support decentralised migration governance, the CCMG has proposed the establishment of a dedicated digital platform. This platform would serve as a central repository for migration data, policy guidance, and public education, enabling local authorities to monitor migration trends, support migrants and returnees, and improve coordination with national institutions. The success of this initiative hinges on the ability of district assemblies to access accurate information and resources, which is why the digital platform is seen as a critical step towards effective decentralisation.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that the National Development Planning Commission has introduced a policy requiring district assemblies to incorporate migration into their development agendas, which may impact local authorities' responsibilities in managing migration-related issues.

Source: Original reporting via MyJoyOnline Ghana