The Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Hon. Daniel Botwe, led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the commencement of the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP) in the Bono and Bono East Regions. The Sod-cutting ceremonies were held in Techiman, Nkoranza South, Berekum East, Dormaa Central, and Sunyani Municipal Assemblies on October 26th and 27th, 2023.
Under the GSCSP, the Government of Ghana is investing $245 million in enhancing basic urban infrastructure and strengthening institutional capacities for urban management. The program, which began in 2019 and is set to conclude in 2025, encompasses 35 Municipal Assemblies and all 16 Regional Coordinating Councils.
In Techiman Municipal Assembly, which has been part of the program since its inception in 2019, completed projects under UDG-1 and UDG-2 include the construction of lockable stores, administration blocks, market stalls, road upgrades, drainage systems, and more, amounting to approximately GH¢ 17 million. The assembly is now set to embark on UDG-3 projects with an estimated cost of GHS 29.4 million.
Similarly, Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly, a new entrant to the program in 2022, commenced UDG-3 projects with the construction of a market (Phase 1) at an estimated cost of GHS 8.5 million.
Berekum East Municipal Assembly, part of the program since 2019, has completed UDG-1 and UDG-2 projects with an estimated cost of GHS 14,380,799.30. The assembly is now moving on to UDG-3 projects.
Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly, also involved since 2019, has completed UDG-1 and UDG-2 projects, costing approximately GHS 7,300,465.52. UDG-3 projects, including the development of Dormaa Ahenkro Tuesday market, are estimated at GHS 7.2 million.
The Sunyani Municipal Assembly, another participant since 2019, concluded UDG-1 and UDG-2 projects with an estimated cost of GHS 18.0 million. UDG-3 projects, set to commence on October 27th, include the construction of storm drains, tarred roads, and procurement of a street light maintenance vehicle, with an estimated cost of GHS 24.0 million.
UDG-4 and UDG-5 projects are also outlined for each assembly, covering diverse infrastructure developments.
The Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program aims to transform secondary cities, enhance the quality of life for residents, and boost economic activities. The government is committed to ensuring sustainable urban development, and these projects mark significant strides towards achieving that goal.