The Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LOGSAPP) has concluded its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and capacity-building conference in Kumasi, with a strong call on the government to prioritize spatial planning and adequately resource the department to effectively fulfill its mandate.
LOGSAPP emphasized that spatial planning is vital to infrastructure development and plays a crucial role in shaping human settlements. The association is urging the government to commit to supporting physical planning efforts across the country’s district assemblies.
As part of their recommendations, LOGSAPP is advocating for a dedicated percentage of the District Assembly Common Fund to be allocated specifically for physical planning activities. This, they believe, would help alleviate the resource constraints currently hindering the department’s operations.
Held under the theme “Planning for Resilient, Inclusive, Climate-Sensitive and Disaster-Free Communities for Efficient Infrastructure Development and Service Delivery,” the 2025 AGM brought together a wide range of stakeholders.
These included representatives from government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), as well as academia, traditional leaders, students, and environmental experts.
Sponsored by the World Bank and GIZ, the event served as a platform for critical discussions on the challenges of physical development planning in Ghana. It also aimed to foster collaboration across sectors to develop sustainable and practical solutions for building climate-resilient communities.
Tools and logistics
In his address, Nana Oppong-Mensah Aborampa, Sompahene of the Manso-Nkwanta Traditional Area and Chairman of the occasion, stressed the urgent need for physical planning officers to be provided with the necessary tools and logistics—such as pickup vehicles and motorbikes—to effectively carry out their duties in the field.
He highlighted the essential role physical planners play in protecting communities from the adverse effects of climate change, disasters, fires, and severe weather. He called on the government to invest in the department and urged planners to uphold integrity and professionalism in their work.
LOGSAPP National President, Planner Gifty Nyarko, underscored the importance of collaboration between physical planners and key stakeholders including traditional authorities, academic institutions, grassroots community members, assembly members, women, and persons with disabilities. According to her, incorporating diverse perspectives is key to developing resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart infrastructure.
Knowledge sharing
During knowledge-sharing sessions, Divisional Officer II Appiah Anthony, the KNUST District Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, commended LOGSAPP’s efforts in fostering cross-sector partnerships. He noted that collaboration with institutions like the EPA, environmental experts, and land management authorities is crucial in addressing challenges such as unplanned developments and congested areas, which often hinder the timely response of fire and emergency services.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to develop strategic plans that will ensure Ghana’s communities are more resilient to climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation.
