By Samuel SAM
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly to create a resilient, inclusive and prosperous urban environment for better urban governance in the Greater Tamale Area has been signed.
The MoU, supported by the European Union (EU) through the Sustainable Cities Project – Phase 1 and implemented by Expertise France under the leadership of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, aimed to resolve longstanding boundary and coordination challenges, improve joint planning, service delivery, sanitation and climate resilience and also enhance solid waste management systems for better collection, segregation and reduced illegal dumping of refuse.
It also aimed to improve the metropolitan governance and promote more integrated approaches to urban development in Ghana among women and youth.
The Project Phase I focused on urban governance, environmental sustainability, waste management, water access and green infrastructure in cities, including Tamale, Sagnarigu, Wa, Yendi, Damongo, Bolgatanga and others.
Phase II of the project would help scale up with investments in modern sanitation plants, household toilets, climate resilience and integrated urban planning.
To ensure smooth implementation, an interjurisdictional Coordination Committee (ICMC) has formed to provide a structured and pragmatic response to the need for coordinated urban governance and also serve as a coordination and facilitation platform between the two assemblies.
The committee is to support in the identification, preparation and implementation of urban services in the areas of solid waste management, access to portable water and recreational areas.
H.E. Rune Skinnebach, EU Ambassador to Ghana, who witnessed the proceedings, commended the two assemblies for the initiative, saying: “What happens in one area affects the others. This committee is not a new administration burden; it is a tool for harmony, efficiency and better services”.
According to him, it takes vision and courage to come together, saying: “We will succeed together”.
He emphasised the need for coordinated urban governance to expand beyond traditional administrative boundaries.
He said the formalisation of the ICMC would help to build on cooperation and a harmonized waste management system.
It would support dialogue, alignment of planning processes, identification of common priorities and the progressive development of joint actions in areas of shared metropolitan concern, especially in planning and solid waste management, he said.
Through the project, the EU would be supporting the assemblies in the design and progressive implementation of the projects, he said.
With procurement processes launched, organisational arrangement structured and equipment delivery expected, the effort would help improve service efficiency, strengthen operational coherence, and contribute to a cleaner urban environment and better living conditions for residents across Greater Tamale, he noted.
Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, commended the EU partnership, noting it as a step toward resolving disputes and promoting coordinated development in the fast-growing Greater Tamale Area.
Tamale Mayor Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro said that critical development challenges like climate change, peace and security, water and sanitation, and food security demand collective actions.
Addressing these issues requires strong partnerships and effective collaboration between duty bearers and development partners, he added.
Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, Abdulai Imoro Gong, said the partnership would enhance urban governance, improve service delivery and drive sustainable development in the Greater Tamale Metropolitan area.
We are committed to leveraging coordinated efforts to address shared challenges and unlock growth opportunities, he said.
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