The Ga West Municipal Assembly on Monday held a public hearing to engage its residents on its proposed 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) as part of its efforts to adjoin community suggestions into its final plan and validate its draft plan in line with section 40(1) (d) of the local governance act 2016 (Act 936), which requires assemblies to prepare and submit development plans through the regional coordinating council to the National Development Committee.

In his opening remarks Mr. Isaac Kwakye speaking on behalf of the MCE said the MCE is engaged with an equally important schedule at the presidency. He welcomed all present to the Assembly’s preparation of 2026-2029 MTDP emphasised that the objective of the hearing is to identify the challenges in the 2022-2025 MTDP, lessons learnt and collectively shape the assembly’s priorities for the next 4 years to bridge the development gaps. He expressed th MCE’s appreciation in the participation of all present,

Mrs. Cynthia Bonsah, the Municipal Planning Officer in her presenting the 2026-2029 Medium- Term Development Plan (MTDP) highlighted the key areas such as legal arrangements, implementation sequence, performance review of the current plan, and a profile of the Ga West Municipality focusing on clear goals, objectives, strategies, financing, and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to guide sustainable development.

Her presentation highlighted on the National Development Planning Commission Act (Act 479), the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925), and the Local Governance Act. Through a comprehensive situational analysis, the Assembly assessed existing challenges, prioritized issues, and developed strategies to address them within available resources. Development initiatives were simplified into implementable actions aimed at improving residents’ living conditions, complemented by a monitoring plan to ensure transparency and accountability.

She stressed that financially, as of June 2025, the Assembly had received GHS 84 million out of a targeted GHS 140 million. These funds she said supported infrastructure projects such as road reshaping, sanitation improvements, and school construction. She further stated that the Assembly assisted persons with disabilities with startup capital, tuition, and medical support, while promoting vocational and ICT training to boost youth productivity.

Mrs. Bonsah emphasized that despite notable progress, challenges like delayed release of statutory funds, inadequate office space, limited land for projects, and boundary disputes with neighboring assemblies. Nonetheless, the Assembly remains guided by its core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

Community concerns were presented by electoral areas.  Some of the problems were that residents cited poor network connectivity, encroachment on school lands, insecurity, poor roads, limited water access, and overcrowded classrooms and markets. 

The new MTDP of Ga West aims to enhance the quality of life of its citizens through improved infrastructure and service delivery. It comprises 20 goals, 55 objectives, and 80 strategies, focusing on infrastructure improvement, environmental management, agricultural productivity and cultural promotion. Education and health interventions include Mock exams, teacher workshops, “My First Day at School” events, research on stillbirths, and training for midwives. Social welfare programs will support entrepreneurial and skills development for persons with disabilities.

The Assembly also outlined strategies for local economic growth and security, including digital banking training, business forums, street lighting maintenance, and public education on building permits. Health and infrastructure projects will expand healthcare facilities, complete accident centers, construct CHPS compounds, reshape roads, and provide boreholes. Plans are also underway for a recreational center through a public-private partnership, alongside regular disaster inspections and support for affected persons.

Mrs. Bonsah concluded that communication and monitoring will remain central to the implementation process. The Assembly will engage the public through town halls, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings. The MTDP will be available on the Assembly’s website and at the client service office. Regular evaluation and collaboration with stakeholders will ensure transparency, progress, and effective delivery of development outcomes for all residents of the West Municipality.

Present at the hearing were the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Isaac Kwakye, Presiding Member, Hon. Emmanuel Amuzu, Heads of Departments, Chiefs and Queens, Unit Committee members, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, opinion leaders, residents’ associations, artisans, market women and some concerned residents of the municipality.

Source: Rachel Sarpong, ISD-GWMA.