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In a historic move aimed at enhancing urban development and sustainability, the Land Sector Agencies, including the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG), Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, and the Survey and Mapping Division of the Land Commission, have embarked on a collaborative initiative to strategically plan areas where land-based investments are rapidly expanding. This effort is part of a larger vision to create orderly development in fast-growing communities across the country.
The initiative, which began in 2021, seeks to identify fast-growing communities and prepare base maps and local plans to guide urban expansion effectively. The project aims to ensure that urban growth is not only sustainable but also in line with the needs and aspirations of the communities.
The first phase of the project focuses on four pilot communities: Manso-Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region, Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, and Somanya, Nkurakan, and Daakye-Akropong in the Eastern Region. These communities were selected for their rapid growth and the urgent need for well-planned infrastructure and development.
Yilo Krobo Municipal Area, located in the Eastern Region, was the first district to be piloted under this ambitious project. The project was officially launched on May 9th, 2024, at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly Hall, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development agenda.
During the launch, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Awatey, delivered an address emphasizing the importance of the initiative for the future of the region’s municipalities. She underscored that local planning is essential for shaping the growth, development, and sustainability of these communities. “Accurate base maps and well-developed local plans are critical tools for informed decision-making, resource allocation, and sustainable urban development,” she said.
The project will begin with four selected communities in Yilo Krobo: Somanya, Nkurakan, Oterkporlu, and Klo Agogo, covering a land size of 6,400 acres. The first phase of the initiative focuses on areas around Somanya, particularly the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, New Somanya, and Krobo Hills, which are vital to the region’s growth.
Minister Awatey highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement in the process, emphasizing the role of community members, local leaders, technical experts, and government agencies. She stressed that engaging all stakeholders ensures that the development plans truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they are meant to serve.
“This engagement today is a vital opportunity to align our efforts, share ideas, and create a shared vision for the future of these communities. Through collaboration, we can address the challenges we face and create lasting solutions that will improve the lives of our people,” the Minister added.
She also commended the management of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and its partners for taking a bold step in advancing this project, stressing that spatial development is a critical aspect of the nation’s progress. Minister Awatey drew attention to the vision of former President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing that while national development is paramount, the spatial development of communities is equally important.
In closing, Minister Awatey reassured the public of her unwavering commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project, stating, “As your Regional Minister and daughter of this land, I pledge to work tirelessly alongside all stakeholders to ensure that we lay a solid foundation for growth and development that will benefit generations to come.”
This initiative is set to be a cornerstone of urban planning and development in the Eastern Region, paving the way for more sustainable and well-organized communities. With ongoing stakeholder collaboration, the project promises to transform how communities grow, ensuring that development aligns with the needs of the people.
