The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) successfully organized a two­­-day Experience-Sharing Conference for Municipal and District Development Planning Officers (M/DDPOs) from February 6-7, 2025, at Chances Hotel, Ho. Themed “Building Resilient Secondary Cities: The Role of Development Planning and Management in Achieving Sustainability”, the conference brought together key stakeholders to exchange ideas and enhance urban development strategies across the Region.

The event which was under the coordination of the Regional Planning Unit led by Mr. Felix A. Boateng, Reg. Development  Planning Officer, gathered all District Dev. Planning Officers and their assistance as well as officials from diverse professional background to share practical experiences particularly with the GSCSP.

Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of VRCC, underscored the significance of the conference in strengthening planning structures and fostering collaboration among Development Planning Officers. He encouraged participants to embrace innovative approaches to urban development while ensuring sustainable growth.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Raphael Adu-Gyan, Programme Coordinator of the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP) at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. He highlighted the role of secondary cities in national development and the importance of effective planning in achieving resilience and sustainability.

A panel discussion moderated by Josephine Dake-Abrahams, Acting Public Relation Officer of the VRCC, featured industry experts, including Mr. George Nti, Capacity Building and Institutional Development Specialist of GSCSP, Mr, John Ntibrey,   Municipal Development Planning Officer for Hohoe, who explored best practices, challenges and strategies for strengthening urban development.

Participants also received presentations on critical topics such as the 2024 Annual Progress Report Guidelines, delivered by Mr. Isaac Kwesi Eweh, Principal Development Planning Analyst at NDPC, Circular Economy, led by Mr. Felix Adom Boateng, Regional Development Planning Officer as well as a paper delivered by the president of GIP, which was followed by the inauguration of the GIP Ho chapter. An open forum allowed participants to engage in discussions on pertinent issues affecting urban planning and development in the region.

The event provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and building stronger collaboration among planning officers. The VRCC reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing urban management strategies in the Volta Region and ensuring that all municipalities and districts adopt best practices for sustainable development.