Bolgatanga: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, the LUSPA, pursuant 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, Coordinating Directors, and 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. He highlighted that the Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) would serve as the blueprint for coordinating spatial development over the next 20 years across the 15 Municipal and District Assemblies of the region.
Mr. Atanga further noted that the region had witnessed uncoordinated development, poor land use practices, and inadequate planning due to growing urbanization and changing land patterns. These issues have increased pressure on public infrastructure, resulting in unplanned settlements, encroachments, poor drainage systems, spatial inequalities, and inefficient service delivery. He emphasized that coordinated and forward-looking planning responses, such as the SDF, are required.
The Minister emphasized that the engagement was a collaborative process requiring the inputs, insights, and aspirations of every stakeholder. He urged full participation to create a practical and inclusive development framework that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
Mr. Issahaku Salifu, the Acting Regional Director of LUSPA, mentioned that the engagement would be extended to the municipalities and districts to ensure the information is spread to all substructures. He addressed the complexity of land ownership in the region and underscored the importance of partnerships between Assemblies and landowners in determining land use.
