Techiman: Mr. Francis Owusu Antwi, the Bono East Regional Minister, has inaugurated a 14-member spatial planning committee to plan for the prudent utilization of and development lands in the region. He tasked the committee to prepare a regional spatial development framework and provide technical guidance for the development of the region.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Antwi emphasized the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the preparation of the framework during the inauguration ceremony. He highlighted the need for these guidelines to prevent unauthorized construction in the region. The committee’s responsibilities include addressing land use conflicts, environmental degradation, and under-utilization of land and resources, as well as facilitating equitable distribution of social and physical infrastructure.

Mr. Antwi noted that the committee’s formation aligns with the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (LUSPA), which mandates all regions to establish such committees for effective planning and development. He explained that LUSPA introduces a new approach to land use planning in Ghana, promoting sustainable human settlements and eradicating unplanned settlements.

He further detailed that the Act requires a three-tier planning system, comprising Spatial Development Framework, Structure Plans, and Local Plans (SDP) for all regions and districts. The SDP aims to identify high growth areas needing structured planning and local plans.

The Reverend Mrs. Naomi Sarpong, Bono East Regional Commander for the Ghana National Fire Service, expressed concern over unauthorized structures hampering emergency services. She mentioned that a taskforce had been set up to manage recurring fire outbreaks in Techiman markets, with 24-hour patrols underway.

The committee includes representatives from the Regional Coordinating Council, LUSPA, Lands Commission, Fire Service, Environmental Protection Authority, Ghana Highways Authority, House of Chiefs, and the National Disaster Management Organisation. Other members come from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Commission, Regional Economic Planning, and the Public Utility Regulatory Commission.