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By Rahama Nasara Yakubu Tamale, Nov 08, GNA – The Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) has launched its 54th Annual General Conference and Meeting (AGCM) in Tamale marking the first time the event will be hosted in the Northern Region. The launch, which coincided with the celebration of World Town Planning Day, brought together key stakeholders in urban planning and development under the theme: “Shaping Ghana’s Tomorrow: The Role of Planning in Driving Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Sustainable Urban Growth”. Mr. Percy Anaab Bukari, the President of GIP, speaking during the launch, described this year’s conference to be historic being the first to be held in the Northern Region. He announced that the main AGCM would take place on the 27th and 28th of November, this year in Tamale. The conference is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries including the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, and other key speakers. It is expected to serve as a major platform for planners, policymakers, and development partners to share innovative ideas and strategies for driving sustainable growth and job creation in the country. Speaking on the celebration of World Town Planning Day, Mr. Bukari highlighted the global significance of the 75th anniversary, celebrated under the theme: “With Planning, We Can”. He emphasized the critical role of planning in building sustainable and resilient communities, saying, “We can future-proof communities and help build the neighborhoods of tomorrow. Investment in planning, planning education, and planners is vital if we are to address the global shortage of professionals.” He said the decision to hold the AGCM in the Northern Region aligned with the institute’s goal of promoting inclusive development and strengthening local participation in national planning processes. He said: “For the past four to five years, our themes have revolved around inclusive development, resilience, and climate change adaptation. This year, we are focusing on planning for local economic development and job creation. “ Our main focus is the creation of jobs, which is where the populace will truly feel our impact as an institute.” He said key speakers at the conference would discuss issues related to effective planning at the metropolitan, municipal and district levels to boost local economic growth and job opportunities while ensuring inclusivity for vulnerable groups. He expressed the need for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities, planning institutions, the National Development Planning Commission, and local assemblies to overcome challenges such as inadequate funding and weak enforcement mechanisms that continued to hinder effective town planning and management in Ghana’s cities and towns. Mr. Abu Takoro, Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, commended the GIP for selecting the city as the host city for this year’s conference. He expressed his commitment to work closely with the Northern Regional Minister to deliberate on pressing planning issues affecting the region. He assured the institute of his full participation in the upcoming AGCM. Mr. Sylvester Gyogluu, Chairman, GIP Tamale Zone applauded the contributions of planners to national development saying, “The conducive environment we live and often take for granted is the work of town planners.” Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Benjamin Mensah
