NEWS

On 16th September 2025, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly (KSMA) reconstituted its Social Accountability Committee (SAC) through a merger with the Open Governance Partnership (OGP) Committee, in a move aimed at strengthening oversight and promoting inclusive governance. 

The reconstitution meeting, held at the Municipal Conference Room, brought together a wide array of stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, and traditional authorities. The new committee will serve as a united platform to monitor government intervention projects, champion accountability, and ensure that development initiatives align with 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. 

The meeting was graced by key stakeholders, including the Municipal Director & Assistants, the Hon. Assembly Members of Avoeme East & Agbozume, and key community representatives such as Torgbui Anubo II of Avoeme, Torgbui Agbali of Blekusu, Rev. Victor Agbolosu, and Ms. Vikings Danku of Klikor. Also present were the Market Queen of Agbozume, the CEO - Pln. Reginald Adjei of EMPACT REACH LBG, and the Chairperson of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, Aflao. Technical officers present included the Municipal Development Planner & Assistants, the Budget Analyst & Internal Auditor, the Social Welfare Officer, the Works Engineer (sub-committee), the Public Relations and Compliance Committee (PRCC) Secretary, the Gender Desk Officer, and Administrative Officers. The meeting further welcomed representatives of women’s & youth groups, Holy FM, and other actors. 

At the meeting, participants emphasized that the committee’s role is not only to monitor the progress of government interventions but also to foster a culture of openness (especially in scrutinizing how contracts are awarded) and accountability across all sectors. It was also agreed that the committee would hold quarterly meetings to review developments, assess ongoing projects, and discuss strategies to address challenges. This commitment, they noted, reflects a collective responsibility to “police development” for the benefit of its people. 

The reconstitution of the committee marks a renewed chapter in the municipality’s governance journey, setting the stage for deeper collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and traditional authorities to ensure sustainable and people-centered development.

The Founder & 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 Center 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 centered on the theme "The Nexus between Integrated Planning and Ghana’s Decentralized 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 Pln. 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 Planning and Development. 

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, Ph.D., 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.