Ghana
Local Governance Act
Formally: Local Governance Act, 2016
Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936); s. 18 (assembly meetings); assented 20 Dec. 2016; commenced 29 Sep. 2018
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 21 days |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required |
| Closed Sessions | 3 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Not allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Not required
Section 18 of Act 936 does not specify a national notice period. Specific notice requirements are set by Model Standing Orders issued by the Minister under s. 18(6) and each assembly's own Standing Orders. Assemblies must meet at least once every 3 months (s. 18(1)). Extraordinary meetings are convened on written requisition by at least one-third of assembly members (s. 18(2)), with notice given as soon as practicable.
Public Participation
Act 936 does not create a statutory right for members of the public to address assembly meetings. Public participation in local governance in Ghana is encouraged broadly under the Constitution (Art. 35(5)(d)) but specific public comment procedures at meetings are governed by each assembly's Standing Orders.
Virtual Meetings
Act 936 (2016/2018) does not address remote or electronic participation by members. No national amendment for remote participation has been identified.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: Minutes of assembly meetings are required under each assembly's Standing Orders made pursuant to s. 18(6). The Act itself does not specify content or publication requirements; these are set by the Minister's Model Standing Orders and individual assembly rules.
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Accessibility & Language Access
Language access: English is the official language of Ghana and of assembly proceedings. In practice, local languages are used alongside English in many district assemblies, but there is no national statutory language access requirement for meetings.