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AMA kicks off consultations for 2026–2029 MTDP
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) today commenced a series of community engagement meetings to gather public input and prepare community action plans for the next Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) for 2026–2029.
The initiative, which is rooted in the principles of planning, is being conducted in accordance with the National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (Act 480), the National Development Planning (System) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2232), and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
The Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for the period 2026–2029 is a strategic planning document to guide the city’s development efforts over a four-year period.
It outlines key policies, programmes, and projects aimed at improving the social, economic, and infrastructural well-being of residents within the Assembly’s jurisdiction.
Speaking during the event held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Korle Gonno community library in the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan District, Deputy Director Mr. Samuel Tutuani stated that the engagement would provide a platform for residents, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and other interest groups to share their perspectives, ideas, and development priorities to shape the MTDP in a way that addresses the real needs of the community.
“Your voice is vital in shaping our future, and your participation will help ensure that our development plans are reflective of the needs of all community members,” he said.
He assured residents that their inputs would be integrated into the planning framework to ensure equitable resource allocation and targeted interventions that reflect the actual needs of the people.
The Director of Development Planning at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Richard Oduro, noted that the current plan, which spans 2022 to 2025, was due to expire on 31st December 2025, hence the need to prepare a new one to guide the Assembly’s development priorities for the next four years.
He emphasised that the planning process must be participatory, stressing the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
Mr. Oduro stated that the 2026–2029 plan would reflect the aspirations of the current government, particularly its agenda of creating job opportunities and ensuring prosperity for all, in line with the broader Resetting Ghana agenda being championed by the new administration.
He noted that challenges such as waste management, poor lighting systems, faulty traffic signals, and deteriorated road surfaces were among the key concerns raised during engagements and would be prioritised in the final plan.
He reiterated that continuous dialogue would be essential in fostering mutual understanding between the Assembly and the communities, ultimately helping to resolve longstanding development issues collaboratively and sustainably.
The Assembly Member for the New Mamprobi electoral area, Hon. Nathaniel Welbeck, raised strong concerns over the deplorable state of infrastructure and sanitation in his electoral area, calling on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the central government to take urgent action.
Speaking during a community engagement meeting organized by AMA to prepare the next Medium Term Development Plan (2026–2029), Hon. Welbeck highlighted several pressing issues, including the lack of drainage systems, choked gutters, widespread open defecation, and poor road conditions in communities such as Old Dansoman, Banana Inn, and I.B.E.
During the engagement, residents actively voiced their concerns and development priorities, which were subsequently ranked in order of importance to guide the planning process.
Sanitation and waste management emerged as the top priority, followed by traffic light improvements (2), road infrastructure (3), and security (4).
Other issues included poor drainage systems (5), inadequate lighting (6), limited health facilities (7), persistent open defecation (8), erosion (9), and the absence of recreational parks (10).
Present at the event were Assembly members, traditional leaders, heads of department at AMA, sub metro directors, staff of AMA and residents, among others.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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