REGIONAL VALIDATION WORKSHOP ON DRAFT NATIONAL URBAN POLICY FOR GHANA ENDS IN TAMALE

The National Regional Validation Workshop on the draft National Urban Policy for Ghana has ended in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital with a call on government to reinforce security measures to check and control the influx of foreigners entering Ghana as a result of the oil find.

The statement noted that Ghanaians will continue to live in penury if the foreigners are allowed to exploit the oil wealth to the disadvantage of citizens.

Professor Paul Yankson made the call as a resource person at the workshop which was attended by heads of department, politicians and members of the academia.

He said the urbanization process has great promise for economic and social progress though confronted with many challenges, hence the need for a national policy framework as the engine of growth.

Professor Yankson underscored the need for a collaborative approach by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to address difficulties and challenges associated with urbanization as a means of addressing the disparity between the Northern and Southern Ghana.

This in his estimation will reduce the duplication of government programmes at the local level to ensure the proper utilization of donor support to Ghana.

Northern Regional Minister, Moses Bukari Mabengba hinted that Ghana’s population was estimated at 25 million by the end of 2010 hence urbanization should be strategically managed to overcome its emerging challenges.

According to him, sustainable urban development is crucial for the achievement of Ghana’s socio-economic growth but that lack of proper coordination and funding for workable policies had affected that achievement.

Mr. Mabengba therefore expected that the workshop would help fashion out practical solutions to urban development challenges facing the nation.