In a bid to build capacity and enhance efficient delivery on performance under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), participants at a three-day dissemination workshop for the 4th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) of implementing Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Municipal Assemblies (MAs) from the southern sector were urged to play a pivotal role in timely data collation and reporting.

Addressing the workshop, the Programs Coordinator at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Mr. Raphael Edu-Gyan emphasized the importance of meeting project timelines. Delays, he stressed, would not be advantageous to anyone and could hinder progress on the programme.

During the workshop sessions, discussions revolved around enhancing Financial Feasibility Assessment to improve the financial reporting system on the program. Participants also reviewed their performance on disbursement linked indicators, aiming for transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

Looking towards the program's conclusion in 2025, participants were encouraged to remain steadfast and diligent in their efforts. They were urged to ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilized and disbursed in alignment with the program's development objectives.

The Programs Coordinator underscored the collective commitment to achieving sustainable development within Ghana's secondary cities, marking a significant step towards progress and transparency in governance.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

                        Rhodaline Phylis Abba

                        MLGRD PR UNIT

The Director in charge of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME) at the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr. Eric Tetteh Addison, has called on implementing Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Municipal Assemblies (MAs) under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP) to draw valuable lessons from their Annual Performance Assessment dissemination results.

This he said is crucial for RCCs and MAs to get their acts together and prepare to actualize all disbursement linked indicators on the project in order to access more funding under the GSCSP to embark on developmental projects in emerging cities and Municipalities.

Mr. Addison was speaking at the opening of a three-day dissemination workshop on the findings of the 4th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) of implementing RCCs and MAs from the northern sector under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme.

Participants were taken through a discussion session on the results from their performance on the disbursement linked indicators and some other components of the project and the implications of their interim planning figures and the way forward.

Mr. Addison charged participating RCCs and MAs to buckle up to work assiduously to achieving optimally on the project development objective of enhancing urban management and improved basic services in participating Municipal Assemblies.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Sandra Owusu Asamoah

MLGDRD RR UNIT

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) had an introductory meeting with the Project Manager from Expertise-France Groupe and the European Union (EU) on the implementation of the EU-Ghana Sustainable Cities Project Phase 1.

The meeting was held at the Ministry on the 19^th of March 2024 to discuss the MLGDRD and the Expertise-France Groupe’s collaboration in the implementation of the Sustainable Cities Project to improve Urban Sustainability and Prosperity in six Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) in Tamale Metropolitan, Yendi, Bolgatanga, Wa, West Gonja and East Mamprusi Municipal Assemblies, in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah and Northern Regions.

The programme, funded by the EU and implemented by Expertise-France will take-off from March 2024 and run through to December 2028. The €14.7 million grant is for the smooth running of the programme.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman welcomed the group and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the EU delegation for their support towards the development of Ghana in the areas of Urban Sustainability and Governance.

He entreated the project supports the Ministry to establish and operationalise an urban observatory towards a data driven implementation of the new National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan (2024-2028).

Mr. Abdul-Rahaman assured the EU delegation of the Ministry’s support and collaboration

The Project Manager for the Programme, Ms. Jihane Rangama, expressed her appreciation to the Ministry towards it support in implementing the Programme.

She said the organisation looks forward to have sessions with MLGDRD to start the technical aspect of the project.

The project, which is in five components will support beneficiary MMAs to advance sustainable development, address challenges in spatial and climate change and promote green economic development and employment opportunities.

Source:  Rhodaline Phyllis Abba

                 (MLGDRD, Public Relations Unit)