A delegation from the Gambian Ministry of Lands, Regional Government & Religious Affairs has visited Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) to study the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project Phase 2 (GPSNP2), a key social protection initiative.

The delegation’s focus is to observe and learn from Ghana’s success in implementing productive inclusion (PI) under GPSNP2, a model that has significantly advanced social protection at the local governance level.

The study tour comes as Gambia prepares to launch its own Productive Economic Inclusion initiative within the Resilient Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project, a program aimed at empowering economically vulnerable populations to achieve sustainable livelihoods. With Ghana having set a successful precedent through GPSNP2, the Gambian delegation hopes to replicate key aspects of Ghana’s approach, particularly the strategies and implementation practices that have effectively integrated vulnerable communities into productive economic activities.

During a comprehensive briefing, the technical team from MLGDRD presented the core components, methodologies, and outcomes of GPSNP2’s productive inclusion strategies. The PI component under GPSNP2, they shared, has focused on equipping economically disadvantaged groups with skills, resources, and opportunities that enable them to generate sustainable income. The team detailed how the project has been structured to provide targeted support, ensuring that even the most marginalized are empowered to participate in the economic landscape.

Following the briefing, the delegation is scheduled to embark on a field visit to Ghana’s Upper East Region, where GPSNP2 has been successfully implemented. This hands-on visit is set to offer the Gambian team a practical understanding of the project's day-to-day operations, including interactions with project beneficiaries and field staff. Observing these processes firsthand is expected to be pivotal, as it will showcase how the project has addressed the unique challenges faced by communities in Ghana’s northern regions.

Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, Chief Director of MLGDRD, who chaired the briefing session, highlighted Ghana’s commitment to regional collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals. He underscored that “Ghana’s experience in delivering productive inclusion has been built upon shared aspirations for economic resilience and social equity within local governance structures.” Mr. Abdul-Rahaman further expressed optimism that the insights gained by the Gambian team would translate into effective strategies for Gambia’s social intervention framework, bringing tangible benefits to its communities.

On behalf of the delegation, the Gambian leader praised the strategic relevance of the visit, describing it as an invaluable step toward the success of Gambia’s own social protection initiatives. He expressed gratitude for Ghana’s consistent and comprehensive support, which, he noted, has extended across multiple sectors of governance and development. “The experience and knowledge shared by the Ghanaian team are both inspiring and crucial,” he remarked, “and this tour marks a milestone in Gambia’s preparations to deliver an inclusive project that uplifts the lives of the economically vulnerable.”

As Ghana and Gambia continue to forge strong bilateral ties through knowledge-sharing and mutual support, this study tour highlights a shared vision to foster resilient, inclusive economies in West Africa. By learning from Ghana’s GPSNP2, the Gambian delegation hopes to adopt a model that will empower its communities, ultimately contributing to sustainable development across the subregion.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP), initially implemented from 2016 to 2023, has been evaluated as a successful initiative with significant potential for further impact. In response, a second phase, GUMAP II, has been launched to build on the achievements of the first phase and enhance urban mobility and accessibility in targeted cities.

The primary goal of GUMAP II is to place selected cities on a path toward improved liveability and competitiveness by refining urban mobility planning. This will be achieved through proven methodologies and targeted technical support, ensuring a smooth transition from planning to project implementation. The project’s outputs could attract future investment from international financial institutions.

Among the challenges that GUMAP II aims to address are the lack of a strategic framework for urban mobility, the need for data-driven project formulation, and improving the capacity of technical staff to manage urban mobility issues. The project will focus on four key components: urban mobility planning, project preparation, investment measures, and targeted training.

The primary beneficiaries of GUMAP II are the Departments of Transport within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), Tamale, and Sekondi-Takoradi. The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGD&RD) will also benefit by gaining a national strategic outlook on urban mobility and strengthening its capacity to support local governments in managing urban transport issues.

GUMAP II represents a critical step in Ghana’s efforts to create a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility system, benefitting both residents and the overall development of the country’s urban areas.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has officially launched Phase I of the Sustainable Cities Project, aimed at addressing the rapid urban expansion and development challenges in northern Ghana.

The project, funded by the European Union with a €14.7 million investment targets six key cities;Tamale, Wa, Damongo, Nalerigu, Bolgatanga, and Yendi.

At the launch event on September 25, 2024, held at Mariam Hotel in Tamale, Hon. Yidana Zakaria, North East Regional Minister, speaking on behalf of Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, emphasized the project’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which calls for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. He noted that the initiative is vital to promoting climate resilience and sustainable urban growth in a region that is rapidly urbanizing but faces critical infrastructure deficits.

The Sustainable Cities Project will focus on key areas such as structured urban planning, climate-smart infrastructure, solid waste management, and improved service delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations. The establishment of an Urban Observatory will further enhance data collection to support evidence-based planning and governance in the cities.

Addressing urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, the project also aims to strengthen local governance, improve transparency, and foster citizen engagement in urban management. This multi-faceted approach is expected to enhance revenue generation, improve living conditions, and build resilience in these urban areas over the project's 58-month timeline.

Hon. Zakaria highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, international partners, and local communities to ensure the project’s success. He expressed gratitude to the European Union for its continued support, underscoring the role of partnerships in achieving sustainable urban development in Ghana.

The Sustainable Cities Project Phase I marks a pivotal moment in northern Ghana's urban transformation, laying the foundation for cities that can meet future challenges while ensuring a better quality of life for their inhabitants.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)