On Monday, November 27, 2022, a kick-off meeting was held at the ministry’s conference room to initiate the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) and set the tone for the project implementation support mission.

This project aims to improve urban mobility and accessibility in six Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and the Department of Urban Roads Head Office in Accra.

Transitec Consulting Engineers, the appointed consultants for the Short-Term Technical Assistance on the establishment of a Mobility Observatory and an Urban Mobility Strategy for the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and the Household Travel Survey, have scheduled their first and third missions respectively from Monday, November 27 to Thursday, November 30, 2023.

These missions will focus on the establishment of the Mobility Observatory, the development of an Urban Mobility Strategy for GAMA, and the implementation of a Household Travel Survey. The data collected through these activities will provide valuable insights into the current state of urban mobility in GAMA and inform the development of effective strategies and interventions to enhance transportation and accessibility for residents in the area.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD) organized a one-day workshop on Public Transport Planning and Regulation for Metropolitan and Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs), Coordinating Directors, and department heads under the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP). The event, held at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), aimed to address mobility challenges in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

As part of the broader GUMAP initiative, which focuses on enhancing accessibility and mobility in GAMA, the workshop addressed issues such as traffic congestion, parking, and public transport management. The participants, including MCEs and key stakeholders, sought to build their capacity in urban mobility to better navigate and contribute to the implementation process at the district level.

Facilitator Hon. Dennis Aboagye outlined the project's short-term plan, emphasizing the restructuring of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), deploying buses on operational corridors, and providing financial support within the first six months. The medium-term plan involves increased funding, the initiation of urban mobility development and design, and collaboration between ministries and agencies.

Highlighting the significance of collaboration, Hon. Aboagye stressed, "For a successful attempt to sanitize the GAMA in terms of urban mobility, there is the need for effective collaboration between the ministries and agencies."

Mr. Samuel Seth Passah, a director at MLGDRD, emphasized the positive impact of mobility planning on revenue generation for an improved Accra and Ghana at large. The workshop, part of ongoing efforts to find lasting solutions to urban mobility concerns, focused on practical strategies and collaboration as key elements in achieving sustainable progress.

The MLGDRD's commitment to addressing mobility challenges reflects a broader initiative to create lasting solutions and enhance the overall urban experience in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Hon Tom Norring, has paid a courtesy call on Hon. Dan Botwe, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD). The meeting, held on Wednesday, November 28, at the Ministry, aimed to explore avenues for development cooperation between the two nations.

During the discussions, both parties delved into strategic collaborations in sectors such as capacity building and education, with a shared goal of expediting development in Ghana.

Welcoming the Danish Ambassador, Hon. Dan Botwe expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the people of Denmark, particularly through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), which has played a pivotal role in aiding not only Ghana but also various African countries.

Hon. Dan Botwe assured the Danish Ambassador of the commitment to ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the importance of aligning development projects with decentralized state structures. He pledged full support for future developmental initiatives, underlining the government's dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

In a bid to ensure the sustainability of benefits to Ghana, Hon. Dan Botwe urged the Danish Ambassador to route all developmental projects through government structures. This approach, he emphasized, would enhance the synergy between collaborative efforts and guarantee that the people of Ghana reap the rewards in a lasting manner.

The Danish Ambassador reciprocated the sentiment, affirming the commitment to aligning with Ghana's development agenda. He expressed gratitude to the minister and the Ghanaian government for their unwavering support.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including the Chief Director, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, and  Directors from the Ministry. The discussions concluded with a shared optimism for a continued and fruitful partnership between Denmark and Ghana, solidifying their commitment to mutual development.