Mr. Dela Kemevor, Director in Charge of General Administration, has emphasized the critical role played by the Transport Department as the lifeline of the Ministry.

Speaking during an in-house training organized by the Alliance Francaise, Mr. Kemevor urged drivers within the Ministry to exercise caution and consciousness while driving, citing a need for enhanced training and skill development.

Highlighting the importance of continuous improvement, Mr. Kemevor assured the leadership of the Transport Department of ongoing learning sessions to equip drivers with necessary skills.

He emphasized the need for management to prioritize training sessions aimed at appreciating and enhancing the capabilities of drivers, essential for the effective functioning of the transport department and the Ministry as a whole.

Acknowledging the challenges faced, particularly concerning accident occurrences leading to significant repair costs and insurance implications, Mr. Kemevor expressed optimism that the training initiatives, focusing on executive driving and safety measures, would contribute to mitigating such issues. He called upon participants to actively engage in the training, offering constructive suggestions and recommendations to enhance their professionalism and efficiency in service delivery.

Mr. Joseph Amoah, Head of the Transport Department at MLGDRD, commended management for the training initiative, stressing its potential to improve service delivery and skill acquisition among drivers. The training sessions, focusing on aspects like driving within speed limits, anticipating unexpected situations, avoiding distractions, and route knowledge, are geared towards ensuring safer and more efficient transport operations within the Ministry.

Source:    Ernest Tweneboah Koduah
                 (MLGDRD, Public Relations Unit)

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.