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The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, has inaugurated a 28-member District Implementation Committee for the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Program at a ceremony held at the Regional Coordinating Council Conference Hall.
The committee is expected, among other things, to empower local government to deliver smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.
The Ghana Smart SDG Cities Program is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, with funding from the Norwegian government and technical support from UN-Habitat.
In his keynote address, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi commended the Techiman Municipal Assembly for being part of what he described as a “bold and transformative” national initiative. According to him, the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Program represents one of the most forward-looking steps toward integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Ghana’s urban governance, planning, and service delivery systems.
“Permit me first of all to commend the Tecbiman Municipal Assembly for its inclusion in the transformative national initiative. The Ghana Smart SDG Cities Program is one of the boldest and most forward-looking steps towards integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into our urban planning, governance and service delivery framework.
“It’s a national initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, UN-Habitat, UNDP with funding from Government of Norway.” He stated.
He further revealed that the program will be anchored on four main pillars: Data planning, Smart infrastructure, Community empowerment, and Certification and recognition with the aim of fast-tracking the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 11 in the municipality and Ghana at large
“Its goal is to fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in 10 selected Ghanaian cities, including Techiman, through innovation, digital tools, smart infrastructure, and community-focused planning. The program combines smart technology, data-driven planning, and community engagement to improve infrastructure, service, and livelihoods.
“The significance of this program cannot be overstated. It is a comprehensive response to growing demands for cities that are not only resilient and sustainable but also inclusive and people-centered.
“This program for Techiman is based upon four main pillars. One, data planning, which involves mapping Tachiman’s needs through community data, for example, water assets, waste management, etc. to guide development. Two, smart infrastructure. Focus on upgrading utilities, transport and digital connectivity to boost trade and quality of life. Three, community empowerment, through creating youth and women in digital skills and supporting local businesses. Four, certification and recognition, which aims for Tachimang to end global recognition as a smart SDG city, attracting partnership and finding.” Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi explained
The Techiman South Municipal Chief Executive and Chairperson of the District Implementation Committee, Hon. Agyei Mensah, provided further insight into the operational framework of the project. He revealed that 30% of the required funds have been released by the Norwegian government and its development partners, with the remainder expected to be disbursed following a successful progress assessment scheduled between June and August.
“The funding partners have provided 30% of the total required funds to begin the project. They will visit to supervise the work done with this initial amount. If they are satisfied with the progress, they will release the remaining 70% to complete the project.
“From June to August, we will be assessed on several key indicators. These include sanitation conditions in Techiman, town planning and layout, the operations of the physical planning department, and the general accessibility and mobility within the municipality.
“They will also evaluate access to potable water in the city. Within the first three months, the majority of Techiman’s residents should have reliable access to safe drinking water. In addition, the crime rate in the city will be reviewed. If they are satisfied with these areas, the remaining funds will be released.” He stated.
He also touched on some complementary initiatives, including outreach programs in schools to educate students on waste separation. He stated that the Assembly will distribute color-coded dustbins for proper waste disposal. Additionally, rest stops will be constructed at key locations within the municipality to improve mobility and comfort for residents.
Hon. Agyei Mensah seized the opportunity to call on the Techiman Traditional Council, civil society organizations, and the general public to support the committee in carrying out its mandate for the betterment of Techiman.
“The committee will visit various schools within the municipality to educate learners on waste separation. The Assembly will provide color-coded dustbins to facilitate proper waste disposal in schools. Furthermore, we will establish rest stops at strategic locations within the municipality to improve ease of movement.
“On behalf of the committee and the Municipal Assembly, I appeal to our Traditional Leaders, civil society groups, the media, the youth, and all stakeholders to come on board to ensure the successful implementation of this project.” Techiman South Municipal Chief Executive.” He appealed.
Representing the Techiman Traditional Council, the Sanaahene of Techiman, Nana Ankama Frimpong, delivered a message on behalf of the Paramount Chief, Oseadeyor Akumfi Ameyaw IV. He described the program as a “high-priority” initiative for the Chief and expressed deep gratitude to the government and its partners for selecting Techiman as one of the beneficiary cities.
“The Ghana Smart SDG Program is a very good initiative, one that is of high priority to the Paramount Chief of Techiman, Oseadeyor Akumfi Ameyaw IV, because he know that this project will go a long way in developing Techiman.
“Nana said he is very grateful to the government and its funding partners for selecting Techiman as one of the 10 cities to benefit from the project.
“Nana said I should tell the committee to be committed in discharging their duity and should not do anything that will bring the name of the committee into disrepute.” He stated.
On behalf of Oseadeyor Akumfi Ameyaw IV and the Techiman Traditional Council, Nana Ankama Frimpong assured the District Implementation Committee of the Council’s full support.
“On behalf of the Techiman Tradititonal Council, I want to assure the committee and the Municipal Assembly that we are fully behind the committe and will support them throughout the project.” He said
Source: Ghanaweb.mobi
