Sunyani: The Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) has urged the implementation of proper planning for emerging markets to reduce recurring market fires in Ghana. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. James A Ata-Era, the Sunyani Zone Chair, emphasized the need for adequate spacing in markets to facilitate emergency response.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ata-Era expressed concerns about the congested and overcrowded nature of current markets in the country. He highlighted the importance of well-planned contemporary markets to manage crowds and ensure efficient coordination during emergencies. The GIP's mission extends beyond training professional planners to improving policies and proposing practical solutions to national issues.
Mr. Ata-Era further explained that the Sunyani Zone is collaborating with traditional authorities and other professional bodies to strategically plan markets with a focus on long-term sustainability. Mr. Asare Baffour Senior, Vice Chair of the Sunyani Zone GIP, underscored the role of land-use planning in fostering sustainable urban growth and development. He advocated for increased collaboration among local authorities, planners, traditional authorities, businesses, and stakeholders in designing appropriate land-use policies.
A unified approach is required to ensure market spaces and urban environments are resilient to disasters while promoting economic growth and social development. Mr. Gifty Nyarko, Sunyani Zonal Secretary of the GIP, emphasized the importance of continuous public education and community engagement in land-use and planning. She stated that planners' responsibilities include incorporating public education into effective planning and called for proactive measures to build community support systems for well-planned markets and urban developments.
The GIP is committed to organizing workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and strengthen stakeholder capacity for building resilient cities collectively. She advised the public to pay attention to weather updates, highlighting the necessity of being prepared for emergencies.