Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Admin
The Physical Planning Department of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly has held a stakeholders forum on permit issuance and spatial development framework at the auditorium of the Church of Pentecost in Obuasi.
This forum provided an important opportunity for stakeholders to come together, discuss, and address various aspects of the permit issuance process in the municipality.
Stephen Teku, the Municipal Coordinating Director who represented the Municipal Chief Executive at the forum emphasized the importance of spatial planning and the process through which the Assembly issues permits. He highlighted the need for transparency and for everyone to understand the process and challenges.
He also expressed the goal of making Obuasi Municipality one of the best Assemblies in the country and emphasized the collaborative nature of their work with the traditional authorities in the area of land development.
Agnes Amoah, the Head of the Physical Planning Department in her presentation stressed on the importance of the spatial development work they have developed.
She highlighted that not everyone may fully understand it, which is why they have organized this forum with stakeholders. The purpose is to explain the process and encourage collaboration, inviting ideas from all participants to work together effectively.
Madam Amoah initiated her presentation by highlighting the legal framework that the Physical Planning Department in Ghana operates under, which is the “Land Use and Spatial Planning Act” along with its associated regulations.
She proceeded to outline how spatial planning is utilized in Ghana and specifically in the context of Obuasi, providing insight into its application and relevance within the municipality.
She provided information about Obuasi’s location on the Ashanti regional map and the district maps. She emphasized the significant size of Obuasi Municipality on the district maps. However, she noted that due to the allocation of the mine, Obuasi Municipality is situated in the central part of the district maps, which likely has implications for spatial planning and development considerations in the area.
The Physical planning officer highlighted the importance of the spatial development framework in the planning and execution of developmental projects. She emphasized that the government mandates the use of this framework, stressing that planning cannot be done solely from office desks. Instead, the spatial development framework plays a crucial role in guiding and facilitating the planning of projects effectively.
Madam Amoah expressed the Assembly’s desire to transform the Kunka market and Central Market in Obuasi into a substantial hub for warehousing and commercial purposes. She also emphasized that by facilitating wholesale activities there, it would eliminate the need for people from Dunkwa to make long journeys and encourage them to shop in Obuasi instead.
She mentioned that they are actively focusing on the development of the major industrial area and town planning site in Obuasi. She noted the need for improvements in the Kunka industrial area, expressing the hope of attracting land investors who can engage in industrial activities.
This development she intimated is expected to contribute significantly to Obuasi’s growth and transform it into a thriving industrial hub, similar to the Suame industrial area. She clarified that the term “spatial development framework” entails informing the community about the development plans related to spatial planning, and this process typically occurs every 20 years.
Madam Agnes Amoah mentioned the existence of a local plan that is designed for smaller areas. She explained that this local plan can be expanded to a larger scale of 1:2500, allowing for more detailed information to be visible and analyzed.
In summary, Madam Agnes Amoah discussed the local plan for the Obuasi Central Market, with blue areas indicating commercial zones. They aim to expand the market over the next 20 years to reduce dependence on mining and promote commerce in Obuasi. She also highlighted the development plans for Bidieso and mentioned the Len Clay Sports Stadium area as a major recreational center. The Urban park project aims to create more recreational centers for children and gatherings.
She mentioned the Gauso and Ridge schemes from 1998 and how land was allocated for the Obuasi Secondary Technical School, with ongoing activities. They hope to attract investors in education and utilize the remaining land for a training college. AngloGold is building a robotic center for the secondary school. They support leaving land for future investors to create job opportunities and prevent relocation due to unemployment. Madam Agnes Amoah shared a map of New Baakoyeden, where residential areas have been repurposed for hostels, shops, and green spaces.
The Municipal Physical planning officer bemoaned the fact that there is some form of resistance on the part of some individuals in Obuasi to pay the permit fee, possibly due to a lack of understanding or compliance with the process.
To address this issue, a committee was formed to engage with the community members and emphasize the importance of paying the permit fee. The revenue generated from these fees plays a crucial role in funding development projects within the Assembly.
“This communication and outreaches are essential for ensuring that people understand the developmental processes in Obuasi and the need to come for their building permits”.
Story by: ISD-OMA