Month: September 2025

NEW SPATIAL PLANNING SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

A meeting was convened on the 4th of September 2025 by the Physical Planning Department of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly with some Chiefs and Assembly Members to discuss the preparation of a new spatial planning system in connection with the Secondary City Support Program’s objective to develop and sustain development in the Municipality. The initiative aims to address land development challenges in the Municipality, particularly in areas where structures have been built without plans, which is contrary to Ghana’s laws requiring land development plans.
Madam Shelly (Head of Physical Planning Department) stated that, despite the legal requirement for development plans, many areas within the Municipality have been developed without adherence to this regulation. To rectify this, a special plan is being developed to manage these areas and bring them up to standard and a key component of this initiative is the Structure Plan, designed to guide land development in the Municipality over a fifteen-year period
The meeting introduced the Structure Plan to Assembly Members and chiefs of the communities as their input is crucial for the successful implementation of the plan and that will also ensure that the plan reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities, thereby enhancing its effectiveness. Another strategy for the plan implementation of the plan will be community assessment. This will require community engagement to assess their specific needs and incorporate them into the plan and that will be done in subsequent days after the meeting. The plan is also backed by several policy frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligning with global objectives for sustainable development, National Land Policy which provides a framework for land management and utilization just to mention a few.
After several concerns such as high cost of permits which discourages people from obtaining necessary permits leading to unauthorized land developments and non-compliance were raised by the Assembly Members and Chiefs at the meeting, Madam Shelly noted that the way forward is to prepare local plans to meet specific needs of each locality, have coordinated land demarcation to ensure that land is properly demarcated for various uses, approval of land demarcation which will officially sanction land use plans to prevent future land disputes, and demarcation of access roads to ensure that roads and pathways are properly planned and designated.
The New Spatial Planning System represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable development in the Municipality. By engaging with community leaders and incorporating their feedback, the plan can be tailored to meet specific needs of the Municipality. Also, addressing the challenges and concerns raised will be crucial to the plan’s success. With proper implementation and adherence to the guiding policies, the Municipality can move towards more organized and sustainable development.

REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly held an Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, 25th September 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Municipal Assembly Conference Hall, Odumase-Krobo. The meeting was chaired by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. John Atter Martey.
The agenda covered key issues, including the consideration and approval of the 2025 Revised Annual Action Plan, the 2025 Revised Composite Budget, the Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029), and the Draft 2026 Annual Action Plan. Reports were also presented by the Finance & Administration and Development Planning Sub-Committees.
Additionally, the Environmental Officer, Ms. Sherita Akorli, briefed members on preparations for the upcoming National Sanitation Day exercise. Discussions under Any Other Matter allowed members to raise further concerns relevant to the Assembly’s operations.
The meeting ended with closing remarks from the Chairman, who thanked members and urged continued collaboration for the development of the municipality.

PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THE MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN (MTDP) 2026–2029

The Planning Unit of the Lower Manya Krobo Assembly organized stakeholder engagement on the preparation of its Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029) on 11th September, 2025 at the Assembly Conference hall. This report consolidates the key issues raised, the challenges identified, and the strategies proposed for consideration in the final Plan.
The main motive of the program was to review concerns from community members before finalizing the Development Plan, to assess financial, infrastructural, and social gaps within the Municipality, to explore strategies for improving revenue generation and attracting development support, and also to ensure inclusiveness and ownership of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
The Municipal Planning Officer, Mr. Benjamin Saah highlighted on the participatory planning whereby community engagements were conducted to capture the concerns and aspirations of residents and also touched on the key challenges in the municipality which included; unresolved boundary disputes, inadequate infrastructure, sanitation issues, and limited recreational facilities. From his presentation, the estimated cost of implementing the Plan stands at GHC 101 million, while internally generated funds (IGF) remain low, with only GHC 4 million received against a budgeted GHC 8 million.
Strategies proposed include strengthen communication with residents, establish effective monitoring mechanisms, and also intensify efforts to attract development partners.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) addressed several questions raised on royalties, land disputes, and the role of Zonal Councils. The report concludes with recommendations to ensure effective plan ownership, resource mobilization, and inclusive development.
The participatory engagement process provided valuable insights that will shape the Municipality’s Development Plan (2026–2029). Addressing financial gaps, resolving disputes, and improving infrastructure remain central to achieving sustainable development. With strong stakeholder collaboration, transparent governance, and effective plan implementation, the Municipality is well-positioned to achieve its vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.
In attendance were the Municipal Chief Executive, Assembly Members, and all Stakeholders.

National Sanitation Day Clean-Up Exercise at Agormanya Market

On Friday 5th September 2025, the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. John Atteh Matey, marked the National Sanitation Day with a massive clean-up exercise at the Agormanya Market.
The exercise witnessed active participation from traders, residents, security service officials, environmental health staff, and other stakeholders. Activities carried out included the de-silting of choked gutters and the clearing of heaps of refuse within and around the market, which significantly enhanced the sanitation condition of the area.
In his remarks, Hon. John Atteh Matey commended all participants for their dedication and teamwork. He further encouraged traders to adopt proper sanitation practices and maintain a clean environment at the market, which remains a major commercial hub in the Municipality.
The exercise was successful and demonstrated the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining a clean and healthy environment.

HON. JOHN ATTEH MATEY SUPPORTS DJEBIAM “BACK TO SCHOOL” INITIATIVE

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Hon. John Atteh Matey, on the 4th September,2025 has extended support to the “Back to School” initiative spearheaded by Nene Agbau Narh IV, Djebiam Divisional Chief. As part of the initiative, the MCE donated books to help provide essential teaching and learning materials to pupils within the Djebiam Division as they resumed school.
In his remarks, Hon. John Atteh Matey reaffirmed his strong commitment to education, stressing the importance of collective efforts in equipping young learners with the tools they need to excel. He assured Nene Agbau Narh IV of his continuous support to sustain and expand the initiative, adding that he took pride in contributing as a son of the Djebiam Division.
Nene Agbau Narh IV, on his part, expressed profound appreciation to the MCE for the timely and generous donation. He emphasized that such gestures significantly strengthen community efforts to promote education and nurture the future leaders of Djebiam.
The initiative continues to serve as a beacon of hope for families in the division, reinforcing the role of traditional leadership, government, and community stakeholders in shaping the educational future of the municipality.

Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program Monitoring

On 1st September 2025, officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development together with the World Bank visited the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality to monitor projects implemented under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program, specifically UDG-1, UDG-2, UDG-3, and UDG-4.
During the engagement, the monitoring team directed the Assembly to prepare local plans, complete the required monitoring templates, harmonize the inputs, and submit them by Wednesday, 3rd September 2025. Key departments, including Human Resource, Works, and Physical Planning, were tasked to contribute to ensure timely completion.
A major concern raised was the maintenance and sustainability of completed infrastructure, particularly the market stores and the Business Resource Center. The team stressed the need for the Assembly to develop strategies for effective facility management to safeguard the investments.