NEWS

On 16th September 2025, Ketu South Municipal Assembly reconstituted its Social Accountability Committee with the Open Governance Partnership (OGP) committee to strengthen accountability and ensure inclusive governance. 

The meeting in the Municipal Conference Room assembled a variety of participants, from public institutions to civil society and traditional rulers, to discuss and operationalise the reconstituted committee. The new committee will be a single forum to oversee government intervention projects, promote accountability and ensure development projects meet the needs of the people. The new committee will be a single forum to oversee government intervention projects, promote accountability and ensure development projects meet the needs of the people. 

In line with the reconstitution, leaders were chosen to steer the committees' affairs. Mr Daniel Kofi Anane of the Foundation for Sustainable Development in Africa – Ghana, was unanimously selected as the Chairperson. He will be supported by Mama Hodzige of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) as Vice Chairperson, while Ms Valentina Selormey, a Budget Officer with the Municipal Assembly, was appointed as the Secretary. 

During the meeting, it was made clear that the committee is not only to monitor the implementation of government interventions, but also to promote a culture of openness (particularly in the scrutiny of the award of contracts) and accountability in all sectors. The committee agreed to meet quarterly to discuss developments, review current projects, and discuss obstacles and solutions. This is a shared duty to “police development”, they said, for the sake of its people.

The Founder, President & CEO of EMPACT REACH LBG was inducted as a Corporate Member of both the Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) and the Commonwealth Association of Planners, UK (CAP). The induction ceremony took place during the 53rd Annual General Conference and Meeting (AGM) on 21-22 November 2024, at the Eusbett International Conference Centre in Sunyani, Bono Region. 

This achievement, following 2 years of rigorous training, marks a significant milestone in Reginald Adjei's career as a Development Planner. The AGM centred on the theme "The Nexus between Integrated Planning and Ghana’s Decentralised Development: Prospects, Challenges, and the Way Forward.” 

The second day of the conference featured various networking activities, including visits to the Kintampo waterfalls, hiking, sports competitions, and board games. The highlight of the evening was the dinner and induction ceremony, which welcomed 4 Fellow Inductees, 139 Corporate Members, 1 Planning Technician, 173 Trainees, and 63 Student Inductees into the institute. 

Among the newly inducted Corporate Members was Mr Reginald Adjei. As a Corporate Member, he is entitled to use the professional prefix “Pln.” after taking the official oath and receiving a certificate, committing to upholding the values of the planning profession and contributing to Sustainable Development, particularly in the areas of Social and Local Economic Growth. 

The dinner night provided a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, with live band music, excellent cuisine, and vibrant interactions with colleagues and esteemed lecturers from KNUST. The event also celebrated outstanding Development and Spatial Planners for their remarkable contributions to the field. 

The AGM was graced by prominent figures, including Ms Astrid Kohl, Programme Director, PAIReD-GIZ, Dr Charles Othniel A. Abbey, PhD, Component Manager, GIZ, Pln. Prof. Emeritus Ernest Aryeetey (FGIP), Former Vice-Chancellor, UG, Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari (FGIP), President, GIP, Pln. Dr Audrey Smock Amoah (FGIP), Director, Management and Technical Services Directorate - OHLGS, Pln. Mohammed A. Damba (FGIP), Immediate Past President, GIP, Pln. Dr Stephen  Appiah Takyi, PhD, 1st Vice President, GIP, Pln. Kofi Amedzro (MGIP), 2nd Vice President, GIP, and traditional leaders, including Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II, Omanhemaa of Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Ayebiafo Jnana (Nkosuoohene of Dumasua), Osabarima Kwabena Yeboah Ababio (Krontihene Odomase No.1), and others.