The Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) has launched its 54th Annual General Conference and Meeting (AGCM) in Tamale, marking the first time the event is hosted in the Northern Region.
The launch coincided with World Town Planning Day and 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, President of GIP, described this year’s conference as historic and announced that the main AGCM would take place on November 27–28 in Tamale.
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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 will provide a platform for planners, policymakers, and development partners to share innovative ideas for sustainable growth and job creation.
On the occasion of World Town Planning Day, Mr Bukari highlighted the global significance of its 75th anniversary, celebrated under the theme: “With Planning, We Can.”
He stressed that planning is critical to building sustainable and resilient communities and addressing the global shortage of planning professionals.
“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,” Mr Bukari said.
He added that conference sessions would address effective planning at the metropolitan, municipal, and district levels to boost local economic growth while ensuring inclusivity for vulnerable groups.
He called 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 continue to hinder effective town planning and management in Ghana’s cities and towns.
Mr Abu Takoro, Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, commended GIP for choosing Tamale as the host city and pledged to work closely with the Northern Regional Minister on pressing planning issues.
Mr Sylvester Gyogluu, Chairman of GIP Tamale Zone, also applauded the contributions of planners to national development, noting that the conducive environment citizens often take for granted is the result of their work.
