STORY BY INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

On Wednesday, 26th January, 2022, the Physical Planning Department of Ga Central Municipal Assembly organized a meeting with stakeholders on the Composite local plan for Auntie Aku, Awoyoo and Nsumfa.
At the meeting were the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Mohammed Bashiru Kamara, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. John Owusu Donkor, the Assemblyman for Antie Aku, Hon. Samuel Donkor, the Urban Roads Engineer, Mr. John Armah, Heads of Department, Traditional Authorities and property owners.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the meeting was basically to highlight how to obtain building permit in the municipality and to introduce the composite local plan for Auntie Aku, Awoyoo and Nsumfa. PRESENTATION BY MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE. The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Mohammed Bashiru Kamara thanked all participants for honoring the invitation. In his submission, he told members that the purpose of gathering is to meet with stakeholders of Auntie Aku, Awoyoo and Nsumfa and come out with a local plan for the area. Hon. Kamara made it clear that Auntie Aku is the first area that the Assembly is starting with since it is the capital of the municipality. He urged members to contribute to the agenda so that the Assembly can come out with a good document to serve their developmental challenges.

PRESENTATION BY MR ISAAC KYEI BAFFOUR.
Mr. Isaac Kyei Baffour, the Assistant Town Planning Officer, began a presentation by stating the role of the physical planning department in the development of Auntie Aku, Nsumfa and Awoyoo. He said, physical planning with the help of the other departments ensures that physical developments obtain necessary permits from the Assembly. Also, they undertake the preparation of local planning layout to guide development which follows the planning standards and principles.
The composite local plan which is to be introduced is an integration of two or more local plans to become a single local plan. Mr. Baffour emphasized that in as much as this is to be introduced in these areas some challenges like ensuring compactible land uses within the built-up area, protection of the streams and water bodies in the planning area needs to be addressed.

Mr. Baffour went further to enlighten them on how land permit can be obtained and stated that one should present an evidence of authorization, building drawing, side plan and geographical instructional integrity. He emphasized that the latter relates to the strength of the building and how it needs to checked before permit is given.
Mr. Kyei Baffour again stated that the various stakeholders present have a role to play in the implementation of the composite plan. Ga Central Municipal Assembly as a main stakeholder must ensure that incompatible land users are dealt with and strict compliance will be put up when the composite local plan is approved. Aside that the traditional authorities must obtain development planning permit from the Assembly and also report unauthorized physical developments happening within the local planning area to the Assembly.

CONCERNS FROM STAKEHOLDERS

1. Building on roads and drainage areas.
2. Creating pathways for drainage onstruction.
3. Stones and sand left in gutters after road construction.
4. Funding for the project.
5. Haphazard laying of pipelines.
6. Cumbersome processes involved when obtaining building permit.

MCEs RESPONSE TO CHALLENGES RAISED The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Hon. Mohammed Bashiru Kamara emphasized that a resolution has been passed to check buildings on roads and pathway for drains. He said all structures in those areas will be pulled down. Hon. Kamara then stressed on the context of patriotism and nationalism and stated that stakeholders should endeavor to report victims who build at unauthorized places thus buildings on road and drainage areas. Again, he spoke about the launch of ‘operation clean your frontage’ emphasizing that all stakeholders ensure everyone take part in promoting this. Hon. Kamara then assured all participants that their grievances regarding land issues will be addressed in no time. He then asked the stakeholders to move for the acceptance of the composite local plan and they all agreed.

CLOSING REMARKS
The Municipal Coordinating Director, John Owusu Dorkor, gave thanks to God Almighty for the success of the meeting and appreciated the Traditional leaders, the Municipal Chief Executive and Heads of Department for making the meeting a success.