Date: March 20 2024 

Location: Northern Zone, [Ejisu]

Overview:

The third and final day of the Dissemination Workshop for the 4th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) in the Northern Zone focused on presenting key insights and outcomes derived from the assessment process. Participants engaged in discussions, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the assessment's findings and their implications for organizational development and performance enhancement.

Session 1: Group Assignments Presentation

The day commenced with a session dedicated to group assignments, where participants showcased their practical expertise by presenting financial feasibility plans developed during the APA. The presentations highlighted innovative strategies and solutions aimed at driving sustainable growth and development initiatives within the Northern Zone. Participants demonstrated a nuanced understanding of financial concepts and strategies, showcasing their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios effectively.

Session 2: Contract Management Best Practices

Following the group assignments presentation, participants delved into a session focused on contract management best practices. Led by industry experts, the session provided comprehensive guidance on navigating complex contractual agreements, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance. Key topics included contract negotiation strategies, risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation protocols, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Participants actively engaged in discussions and case studies, gaining valuable insights into effective contract management strategies applicable to their respective roles and projects.

Knowledge-Sharing Sessions and Discussions

Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive knowledge-sharing sessions and discussions, exchanging ideas, experiences, and best practices related to the APA findings. Topics of discussion included project management methodologies, stakeholder engagement strategies, performance measurement frameworks, and capacity building initiatives. The collaborative atmosphere facilitated meaningful dialogue and learning opportunities, enabling participants to gain diverse perspectives and insights from peers and industry experts.

Closing Remarks by Mr. Raphael Edu-Gyan

Mr. Raphael Edu-Gyan, the Project Coordinator, delivered closing remarks, commending participants for their active participation, dedication, and contributions throughout the dissemination workshop. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the insights gained from the APA to drive positive change, enhance organizational performance, and foster continuous learning and improvement within the Northern Zone. Mr. Edu-Gyan encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and strategies acquired to prepare for future assessments and challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The third day of the Dissemination Workshop for the 4th APA was marked by insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and collaborative learning experiences. Participants left the workshop equipped with practical knowledge, actionable strategies, and a renewed commitment to driving excellence and innovation within their respective roles and organizations. The success of the day's sessions underscored the value of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning in achieving sustainable development goals and organizational success.

In a bid to build capacity and enhance efficient delivery on performance under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), participants at a three-day dissemination workshop for the 4th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) of implementing Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Municipal Assemblies (MAs) from the southern sector were urged to play a pivotal role in timely data collation and reporting.

Addressing the workshop, the Programs Coordinator at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Mr. Raphael Edu-Gyan emphasized the importance of meeting project timelines. Delays, he stressed, would not be advantageous to anyone and could hinder progress on the programme.

During the workshop sessions, discussions revolved around enhancing Financial Feasibility Assessment to improve the financial reporting system on the program. Participants also reviewed their performance on disbursement linked indicators, aiming for transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

Looking towards the program's conclusion in 2025, participants were encouraged to remain steadfast and diligent in their efforts. They were urged to ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilized and disbursed in alignment with the program's development objectives.

The Programs Coordinator underscored the collective commitment to achieving sustainable development within Ghana's secondary cities, marking a significant step towards progress and transparency in governance.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

                        Rhodaline Phylis Abba

                        MLGRD PR UNIT

The Director in charge of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME) at the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr. Eric Tetteh Addison, has called on implementing Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Municipal Assemblies (MAs) under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP) to draw valuable lessons from their Annual Performance Assessment dissemination results.

This he said is crucial for RCCs and MAs to get their acts together and prepare to actualize all disbursement linked indicators on the project in order to access more funding under the GSCSP to embark on developmental projects in emerging cities and Municipalities.

Mr. Addison was speaking at the opening of a three-day dissemination workshop on the findings of the 4th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) of implementing RCCs and MAs from the northern sector under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme.

Participants were taken through a discussion session on the results from their performance on the disbursement linked indicators and some other components of the project and the implications of their interim planning figures and the way forward.

Mr. Addison charged participating RCCs and MAs to buckle up to work assiduously to achieving optimally on the project development objective of enhancing urban management and improved basic services in participating Municipal Assemblies.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Sandra Owusu Asamoah

MLGDRD RR UNIT