The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (UERCC) in collaboration with the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), has sensitized stakeholders on the preparation of a Spatial Development Framework (SDF) for the region.
The LUSPA in pursuance to Section 28 Subsection (A) of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act 2016 (Act 925), is undertaking the preparation of a Regional SDF as a strategic planning tool to guide the spatial and infrastructure development of the region in a sustainable and coordinated manner.
The stakeholder engagement brought together officials from the RCC, Municipal and District Chief Executives and their Coordinating Directors, various heads of developments, including Physical and Works Planning Developments, Heads of Development Planning Units among others.
The stakeholders contributed and made significant inputs to enhance the quality and relevance of the framework for the sustainable development of the region.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, noted that spatial planning was not just a technical tool, but a strategic process that provided a coordinated framework to guide land use, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and socio-economic growth.
“In our context, the Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) will serve as the blueprint for coordinating spatial development over the next 20 years across the 15 Municipal and District Assemblies of the region.
“It will be instrumental in directing investments, enhancing connectivity, promoting regional integration and improving the quality of life of our people,” the Minister said.
Mr Atanga further noted that the region over the years witnessed uncoordinated development, poor land use practices, and inadequate planning as a result of growing urbanization and changing land patterns.
“These have increased pressure on public infrastructure, resulting in unplanned settlements, encroachments, poor drainage systems, spatial inequalities and inefficient service delivery. This requires coordinated and forward-looking planning responses, such as the SDF,” he said.
The Minister told the stakeholders that “Today’s sensitization is, therefore, a crucial step, as it offers us the opportunity to share experiences, align our understanding, and collectively agree on the vision and priorities that will shape the spatial development of our region.”
He emphasized that the engagement was not just a technical session, but a collaborative process that required the inputs, insights, and aspirations of every stakeholder.
“I entreat you all to fully participate, and help create a practical and inclusive development framework that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our people,” the Minister said.
Mr Issahaku Salifu, the Acting Regional Director of the LUSPA, said the engagement would be extended to the municipalities and districts so that the information would be spread to all the substructures.
Touching on land ownership in the region, he said even though the situation was complex, the respective Assemblies were to determine the land use in partnership with the landlords and owners, so as to cater for their interests.
“So this meeting is not the first and the last of the engagement, we will be engaging them more to know that when it comes to land use, it is the Assembly that has to plan, but the landlords and land owners are not left out,” he said.
GNA
