Accra: STAR Ghana Foundation, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has initiated a series of meetings to engage Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the aim of influencing the inclusion of critical development issues in their 2026-2029 Medium Term Development Plans (MTDPs).
According to Ghana News Agency, the key development issues span essential areas such as economic development, access to social services, peace and security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). These initiatives, if effectively implemented, are anticipated to significantly enhance the livelihoods of underserved communities and groups. The proposed measures include scaling up farmer-to-farmer extension services, providing subsidised pumping machines, constructing dugouts and mechanised boreholes, and improving road infrastructure to facilitate the timely transport of goods to markets.
Additional focus areas highlighted include enhancing Business Advisory Centres to target individuals with disabilities, the Fulbe community, and the youth, equipping them with necessary skills for sustainable livelihoods. Mrs. Anita Asare Awuku, Senior Projects Officer at STAR Ghana Foundation, presented these issues during a convening in Tamale. She emphasized the need for disability-friendly infrastructure and investment in educational facilities in Fulbe-populated areas.
The meeting saw participation from Coordinating Directors and Planning Officers from various MMDAs, including Tamale Metropolitan, Savelugu Municipal, Yendi Municipal, and several others, alongside some NGOs. Mrs. Awuku also underscored the importance of providing classroom blocks, teachers’ accommodation, WASH facilities, and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds to bolster education and healthcare services in communities.
Mrs. Awuku noted that these issues emerged from STAR Ghana Foundation’s ongoing engagements with groups serving underserved communities. She stated, “In our work as CSOs, we have taken some key actions to complement government’s efforts. However, having them captured in the MTDPs presents opportunities for addressing these needs on a larger scale.” She added that district-specific recommendations would be shared with MMDAs to guide targeted interventions and that similar discussions would be held in other regions of the country.
Mr. Raymond Danso, Portfolio Manager at STAR Ghana Foundation, remarked that the convening was timely, coinciding with the MMDAs’ development of their Annual Action Plans for the upcoming MTDPs. Mr. Isaac Salifu, Lambussie District Planning Officer, acknowledged the validity of the issues raised and expressed optimism that with adequate political support, they could be integrated and implemented effectively.