Cape coast: The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) recently organized its second fundraising event at the University of Cape Coast's Graduate School Auditorium to gather resources for its comprehensive eight-year development plan spanning 2026-2033.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event followed a previous fundraising initiative held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra in March, both designed to rejuvenate Cape Coast and reclaim its historical status as Ghana's former capital. The ceremony attracted participation from various sectors, including private and public stakeholders, politicians, academics, and religious leaders, with Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, presiding over the event and Dr. Julious Deborah, Chief of Staff, serving as a special guest.
The development plan aims to address infrastructure deficits, cultural heritage needs, and socio-economic gaps through five strategic pillars: economic growth and job creation; infrastructure and urban development; social and human capital development; environmental sustainability and climate action; and good governance and institutional strengthening. These pillars target critical needs such as enhancing roads, drainage, and sanitation infrastructure, preserving heritage sites, and boosting climate resilience.
The plan also focuses on expanding economic opportunities through tourism, skills development, and youth entrepreneurship, leveraging partnerships across public, private, and donor sectors. A monitoring framework is established to ensure progress, transparency, and accountability throughout the development process.
Mr. George Justice Arthur, the CCMA Chief Executive, highlighted that the plan aligns with Clause 3 of Section 83 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), providing a long-term vision beyond the typical four-year medium-term cycle. This extended timeframe is intended to facilitate transformational projects and capitalize on Cape Coast's historical and international appeal to attract resources.
Mr. Michael Harry Yamson, Administrator of the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF), expressed support for the CCMA through the Community Partners Fund (CPF), a DACF initiative that engages individuals, businesses, and civil society to finance local development projects. He emphasized that the fund would augment statutory DACF allocations, aligning with Article 252 of the 1992 Constitution and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, Cape Coast North MP, representing himself and Cape Coast South MP Mr. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, pledged to support the plan, focusing on providing educational resources to help students gain admission to elite schools. However, he raised concerns about hotel costs affecting tourism and vowed to work with stakeholders to improve the region's sporting infrastructure.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II praised the CCMA for leading the development efforts and called for stakeholder collaboration, emphasizing that the city's growth is a collective responsibility requiring commitment and unity. Despite applauding the initiative, he criticized the late start of the program and urged the CCMA to manage time more effectively.