A Planners View, The Establishment Of The Ministry Of Inner City And Zongo Development

Despite all our challenges, and in our weakest moment as a nation, there is at least a breathing space for us to coordinate our thoughts and make the best out of our mess.

Undoubtedly, most Ghanaian cities are characterized by numerous environmental challenges of which pollution, traffic congestion, poor drainage system, poorly "planned" street lay out, as well as deteriorating housing conditions are the least of them. On another note, at the mention of the word "Zongo", all the challenges associated to an unplanned residential area comes to mind. Most of our Zongo communities basically lack access to social amenities and other vital elements that are relevant to sustaining their livelihood.

Such problems therefore makes it highly rational for the establishment of a ministry to address these issues. However, if we don't consider certain issues as a nation, the existence of this ministry will be highly irrelevant and further worsen the situation at hand. I therefore want to bring to light some cardinal concepts the president the new ministry responsible for this, and all Ghanaians should consider for the success of this program, and for the benefit of the nation as a whole:

Firstly, Participation: One of the major reasons as to why most of our ministries are not able to deliver effectively is the limited public participation in the execution of the activities of the ministry. This program is going to affect people, the temporal livelihood of households will be destroyed, their privacies will be invaded, without systematically involving, and educating our Zongo communities and residents of our cities in the activities of the ministry, we are likely to repeat the pattern of failure.

Secondly, Objectivity: Our problem as a nation has got to do with the expression of our personal emotions and desires, over the better interest of our nation. This ministry, as a way of a start, will definitely deal with some communities in terms of development before they subsequently cover the nation at large. In selecting communities to be developed, there should be an objective criteria either than decisions based on political affiliations and tribalism. We shouldn't forget we are doing this for no one, but our beloved country.

Thirdly, Let the professional planners work: A new ministry of this nature requires well trained Personnel that are enlightened in such a field. Luckily enough for us as a country, In addition to KNUST, we have UDS that is training quality and professional planners that have gone through all the heights of poverty zones and is well endowed with the practicalities of the development of our communities. If we truly want this ministry to succeed in the execution of their task, there should be a collaboration between the ministry and the products of these institutions. We shouldn't be politically inclined employ people who'll put the life of many Ghanaians at risk simply because of their limited expertise in the area under consideration.

Lastly, for this ministry to function appropriately, there should be an attitudinal change. Most of the problems I earlier discussed do not exist because we lack their respective facilities as a nation, but they do exist because of our attitude as "Spectators" and not citizens of this country. If we continue to dump refuse anyhow, if we build, drive, and continue to do things anyhow like we still do, there is nothing the president and his ministry can do to save our cities and Zongo communities. Let's change our attitude and change Ghana for the best.

The cardinal principles discussed, re emphasize on our roles as major stakeholders and that of the ministry. If Ghana can be great again, it requires dedication and passion from us all. "Let us all unite to uphold her, and make her great and strong."

By Bioh Daniel
Bsc Planning 400, UDS
Editorial board chair, UDS central SRC 2016/2017
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