The Head of the Physical Planning Department at the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly and National Interim President of the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners, Pln. Gifty Nyarko, has been conferred the prestigious title of African Ambassador for Inclusive Urban Governance and Climate-Resilient Development by The Business Executive Group.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, by Ambassador Pavel Vziatkin of Belarus.
It was attended by dignitaries from across Africa and recognised Pln. Nyarko’s outstanding contributions to inclusive and sustainable development on the continent.
With a career marked by grassroots-driven and visionary planning strategies, she has earned international acclaim.
Baroness Paulette Kporo, CEO of The Business Executive Group, hailed her legacy, stating, “Gifty Nyarko represents a new era of African leadership—where innovation, inclusivity, and climate resilience define how cities grow. She is a force for good, and her legacy is already shaping the continent’s future.”
This marks her third major award in 2025, following her recognition as one of Ghana’s Top 100 Titans and recipient of the Community Outstanding Leadership Award.
Pln. Nyarko’s work aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable cities.
She is widely known as “The Grassroots Planner,” “The International Planner,” and “The Iron Woman.” Pln. Nyarko has built a distinguished career rooted in transparency, participation, and local empowerment.
Her leadership in the Green City Project in Dumasua, led by transformational local leader Nana Ayebiafo Jnana, and the naming of Gifty Bubuadan Avenue in Fiapre in her honour, testify to her influence on Ghanaian communities.
She has transformed personal tragedy into national purpose, launching advocacy campaigns that have reached over 100 million people—often with her children at the forefront.
Through her foundation, G2 Foundation, she supports marginalized communities through initiatives like Women in Greenery, Widows in Sanitation, and Youth in Climate Action.
Her two-year ambassadorial roadmap focuses on policy advocacy, capacity building, partnership development, and pilot projects in three African cities.
In her keynote address on economic diplomacy and urban development, she called on African cities to prioritize justice, resilience, and inclusion:
“Our cities must be built on justice, resilience, and inclusion. Diplomacy must empower development—and development must put people first.”
As African Ambassador, her two-year roadmap includes:
• Policy Reform Advocacy
• Capacity Building for Planners and Institutions
• Strategic Partnerships Across Africa and Globally
• Pilot Implementation of Sustainable Urban Projects in Three Cities
• Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks
Her work advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
The recognition is a testament to her commitment to people-centered development and inclusive urban governance. Pln. Nyarko’s achievement serves as an inspiration to planners and development professionals across Africa.
She is also pursuing doctoral research in sustainable land management with a focus on urban greenery at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, while serving as Secretary of the Municipal Spatial Planning Committee.
Her civic platform, Time with the People, is a participatory space that links communities, planners, and investors—ensuring development aligns with people’s real needs.
Pln. Nyarko’s lifelong commitment to “Bringing Spatial Planning to the Doorsteps of the People” continues to inspire citizens and professionals alike.
“This recognition is not about me—it’s about us. It belongs to every planner, every young girl dreaming of impact, and every community member who believes in a better Africa. Together, we’re shaping cities that work for people.”
She dedicated the award to her community and supporters, acknowledging the collective effort behind her journey. She thanked government officials, academic mentors, family, and colleagues for their support.
Source: Christian Ofori Kumah
