In a groundbreaking ceremony held on November 9th and 10th, 2023, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Mr. Daniel Botwe cut the sword for key urban development projects across several Municipal Assemblies. With a total investment of USD 245 million, the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme under the Urban Development Grant (UDG) is set to revolutionize urban infrastructure and management capacities in some four municipalities within the central region.

The municipalities included Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly, Agona West Municipal Assembly, Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, and Assin Fosu Municipal Assembly.

Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly showcased completed projects such as the reconstruction of Kasoa New Market and bituminous surfacing of key roads. Ongoing and upcoming projects, including road construction, streetlight installations, and drainage improvements under UDG-3 to UDG-5, are estimated to cost GHS 111.3 million.

Agona West Municipal Assembly has completed projects comprising bituminous surfacing of streets, lockable stores, and improvements to the taxi station. UDG-3 projects, focusing on construction and road resealing, are estimated at GHS 15.7 million.

Mfantseman Municipal Assembly has also some completed and ongoing projects encompassing a modern Transport Terminal, lockable stores, and bituminous surfacing. The UDG-3 to UDG-5 projects, including the construction of a bulk storage market and road surfacing, have an estimated total cost of GHS 72.9 million.

Assin Fosu Municipal Assembly UDG-3 projects involve the paving of the main lorry station, construction of passenger waiting rooms, and streetlight installations, totaling an estimated cost of GHS 6.5 million. UDG-4 projects focus on the redevelopment of taxi stations, lockable stores, and streetlight installations, also costing GHS 6.5 million. UDG-5 projects include storm drain construction and culvert installations with an estimated cost of GHS 6.5 million.

The total for the regional allocation across these transformative projects is GHS 283.9 million.These initiatives signify a pivotal moment in Ghana's urban development, promising improved living conditions, economic growth, and sustainable progress in the participating municipalities.

The nation looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of these projects as they unfold.

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.

Mr. Daniel Botwe, the Honorable Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, has highlighted the crucial role of well-resourced Information Services Department officers in fostering sustainable national development.

Speaking at an orientation session for Regional and District Information Officers (RIOs and DIOs) from the Information Services Department (ISD) on the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), Mr. Botwe emphasised the significance of efficient information dissemination in achieving developmental goals.

During the session, the Minister praised the Information Officers for their instrumental role in mobilising rural and urban communities, enabling them to comprehend government policies and initiatives for increased support and compliance.

He acknowledged the pivotal position of Information Officers in rural areas, where they are trusted sources of credible government information, capable of bridging cultural gaps and communicating effectively in local languages.

Hon. Botwe stressed that Information Officers' unique position as cultural liaisons makes them indispensable in implementing policies that require community support for sustainable development. He assured the officers of ongoing capacity-building initiatives and their active involvement in SOCO project activities, including work plans, monitoring, and outreach efforts in their respective regions and districts.

The participants were made up of Public Relations Officers from District Assemblies,  DIOs and RIOs all ISD staff from the implementing six regions and 48 Districts. 

The Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), an initiative by the Government of Ghana, aims to address potential spill-over effects of fragility, conflict, and extremism from the Sahel region into border communities. Additionally, the project seeks to promote socio-cultural integration and stimulate local economic development.

The project is being implementing in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, North East and Oti Regions.