The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that 5% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) will be allocated to support spatial planning activities across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) starting next year.
The Minister made the announcement at the National Decentralisation Dialogue, following a strong appeal from the National President of the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners, Amb. Pln. Gifty Nyarko, who also serves as the African Ambassador for Inclusive Urban Governance and Climate-Resilient Development.
Amb. Nyarko had stressed the urgent need for intervention, pointing out that many MMDAs continue to neglect spatial planning in their development priorities. She highlighted the critical role of spatial planning in managing urban growth, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, urging the Ministry to provide targeted support to strengthen the sector.
In response, Minister Ahmed Ibrahim reiterated the government’s commitment to evidence-based planning, noting that the 5% allocation would enhance the capacity of MMDAs by providing tools, data systems, and human resources required to implement orderly and climate-resilient development frameworks.
He further encouraged Assemblies to use part of their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) in the meantime to support spatial planning activities while awaiting the DACF release.
The Minister also appealed to local authorities to fast-track permit acquisition processes to curb unauthorized developments that undermine effective land use and infrastructure coordination.
Reaffirming the government’s broader “Reset” agenda to strengthen decentralization, he assured stakeholders that the move reflects a deliberate effort to equip local governments with the tools and resources needed to manage development proactively and inclusively.
Source: Christian Ofori Kumah
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