A meeting was held between the World Bank, Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA)and the Lands Commission the purpose of the meeting was to consult, the various stakeholders to facilitate and plan on how Urban and Land Use Activities under KUMAP will be managed properly within the Greater Kumasi and to improve planning capacity for sustainable planning growth in (GKMA).

Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP) is to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility along selected corridors, and improve planning capacity for sustainable urban growth in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan (GKMA) Area.

World Bank has shown keen interest in supporting the Government of Ghana and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) in improving Urban Mobility conditions through the preparation of the Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP)

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the meeting was to discuss a survey that was undertaken by Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology (KNUST) and LUSPA.

• Prepare a local plan along the corridors, assessed and validated (for those who don’t have the local plan)
• Inventory of the land uses.
• Land value capture
• Stakeholder Engagements and Feasibility.

Source:    Humble Owusu-Yeboah & Stephanie Edem Klutsey
                (MLGDRD, Public Relations Unit)

Introduction:

The 4th Annual Performance Assessment under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program convened stakeholders from the Northern Zone, encompassing the Northern, Savannah, North East, Upper East, Upper West, Bono East, Bono, and Ahafo Regions. The focus of day two centered on enhancing participants' capacities in financial feasibility studies and leveraging the District Data Development Platform (DDDP) for data-driven decision-making and sustainable development planning.

Capacity Building in Financial Feasibility Studies:

Participants engaged in rigorous training sessions aimed at bolstering their understanding of financial feasibility studies. The objective was to empower them with the necessary tools and knowledge to positively impact development planning strategies within their respective regions. Through comprehensive learning modules and interactive discussions, stakeholders gained valuable insights into assessing project viability, resource allocation, and financial sustainability, laying a robust foundation for informed decision-making.

Harnessing the District Data Development Platform (DDDP):

A pivotal aspect of the program was the introduction and training on the District Data Development Platform (DDDP). This cutting-edge application equips Municipal Assemblies (MAs) and Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) with advanced reporting capabilities, promoting data-driven decision-making at the local level. Participants were guided through the nuances of the DDDP, learning how to harness its features for efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting. The platform's integration into development planning processes is poised to revolutionize governance practices, ensuring evidence-based interventions and fostering sustainable growth.

Encouraging Utilization and Implementation:

Project implementation MAs were strongly encouraged to embrace the DDDP as a cornerstone for reporting and data utilization. Emphasizing its role in enhancing data collection accuracy and promoting transparency, stakeholders were urged to leverage the platform's capabilities for streamlined development planning. The proactive adoption of the DDDP is expected to enhance collaboration, facilitate resource optimization, and ultimately drive impactful development outcomes across the Northern Zone.

Conclusion:

The concerted efforts to build capacities in financial feasibility studies and promote the utilization of the District Data Development Platform signify a significant stride towards fostering sustainable development in Ghana's Northern Zone. As stakeholders continue to harness these newfound tools and knowledge, the region is poised to witness transformative progress, grounded in data-driven decision-making and effective development planning. This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to inclusive growth and empowers communities to thrive in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

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.