The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been encouraged by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take a leading role in monitoring unauthorized settlements in their areas.
The growing trend has concerned the president, who sees it as a danger to the progress of the country.
During the inauguration of the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly members in Accra on Monday, President Akufo-Addo made this statement in a speech that was delivered on his behalf by Amin Abdul-Rahaman, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development. To combat the threat, he asked MMDAs to implement local legislation.
“In 2020, your predecessors’ attention was drawn to a major challenge relating to unplanned and haphazard development within the jurisdiction of most district assemblies. This phenomenon has serious implications for national development and public safety.”
“As you begin work, it is my ardent hope that you will help enforce the planning standards and compliance of land use and special planning as well as other regulations regarding human settlements and special planning,” he stated.
In addition, President Akufo-Addo sought the assembly members’ cooperation in carrying out government initiatives locally.
