Tamale: The Tamale Archdiocesan Development Organization (TADO), under the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, has launched its five-year Strategic Plan aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the Archdiocese.
According to Ghana News Agency, the comprehensive plan focuses on key operational sectors, including Livelihoods and Social Development, Education, Health, Governance, Peace and Justice, and the Department of Pastoral and Social Communication (DEPSOCOM). The Strategic Plan is to be implemented in nine districts within the Archdiocese, including Tamale, Sagnarigu, Tolon, East Gonja, Savelugu, Kpandai, Kumbungu, Nanton, and North East Gonja. It is supported by Misereor, a German development agency, and Catholic Relief Services (CRS Ghana).
The launch brought together a group of stakeholders including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and development partners. Most Reverend Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, whose speech was read on his behalf by Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir, Vicar General of the Tamale Archdiocese, during the launch in Tamale, said the Strategic Plan was not merely a document. He said it was 'a vision and a roadmap of faith in action' grounded in the Church's mission to build a just and compassionate society.
He emphasized that the Strategic Plan served as a blueprint to help the Church respond more effectively to the needs of its communities through education, health, livelihoods, and advocacy for peace and justice. He called on all stakeholders to support its implementation, highlighting its potential to significantly contribute to community development.
Reverend Father Dr. Sebastian Zaato, Coordinator of TADO, said the Strategic Plan sought to enhance the quality of life in both rural and urban communities within the Archdiocese. He said, 'Under this Strategic Plan, TADO will work to improve food and nutrition security for vulnerable households, increase incomes for rural and peri-urban communities, expand access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and promote access to quality education.'
Dr. Chrys Anab, Head of Sustainable Development Studies, University for Development Studies, commended TADO for the initiative. He expressed interest in future collaboration, especially in the Governance, Peace, and Justice sector, which aligned with the University's peace and security studies programme. Mr. Sulemana Hor Gbana, Programme Influencing and Impact Area Manager at Plan International Ghana, also praised the strategy for its inclusiveness and comprehensiveness, noting its potential to significantly reduce the vulnerabilities of poor households and communities. Other stakeholders at the event also pledged their support to help ensure the successful execution of the Plan.
