In a bid to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly organized a comprehensive training session for members of the Municipal Planning Coordinating Unit (MPCU) and heads of various sub-committees. The training focused on mainstreaming climate change and gender issues into municipal planning and budgeting. This training program is part of the capacity support component of the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP). The training took place at Busua Beach Resort on Wednesday 25th April,2024 and had participation from 40 stakeholders, including seven women, demonstrating the Assembly’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
The Municipal Coordinating Director Mr. Daniel Kanyage opened the session, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its impacts on the municipality. Mr. Percy Anaab Bukari, President of the Ghana Institute of Planners and an expert in Development Planning and Management, led the training. He provided valuable insights into integrating climate adaptation strategies and gender considerations into planning processes.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. John Agyare emphasized the importance of proactive climate action and integrating climate change into development planning. Mr. Bukari’s presentation highlighted the significance of incorporating climate change and gender-specific needs into planning and budgeting. Participants worked together to develop work plans integrating these elements, followed by presentations and peer critiques.
Mr. Bukari also introduced the LISA platform, a technological tool for district-level planning and management. The platform’s capabilities in GIS mapping, data integration, risk assessment, and decision support were highlighted as crucial for improving disaster preparedness and integrating climate resilience into municipal planning.
The training emphasized the importance of participatory planning and collaboration among various stakeholders. The Assembly aims to develop socially just and climate-resilient interventions by leveraging local knowledge and experiences.
Overall, the training session was a significant step towards building a sustainable and resilient Ahanta West Municipality. Participants gained a deeper understanding of their roles in combating climate change and promoting gender equity in local development planning. The Assembly’s commitment to integrating climate change and gender considerations into planning processes promises a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Ahanta West.
Below were pictures of the event:
