DAMBAI HOSTS INAUGURATION OF GHANA INSTITUTE OF PLANNING (GIP) ZONAL CHAPTER

In his opening remarks, Rev. Pln. Wiafe expressed his delight at the successful establishment of the Chapter, noting that the process had been years in the making. He emphasized that the GIP is a professional institution with a unique mandate, urging members to uphold their professional integrity and make their presence felt in their respective communities. He further encouraged the newly elected executives to take their roles seriously and work towards advancing the objectives of the Institute and the nation.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, the Chief Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo who is also a planner, welcomed participants and commended the efforts leading to the inauguration. He underscored the need to make the planning profession more attractive, especially to women, in order to achieve gender balance within the sector.

The National President of the Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP), Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari, in his statement, lauded the efforts of planners in the region and shared updates from his participation in the recent Volta Economic Forum. The forum, he said, focused on the government’s 24-Hour Economic Initiative, an idea he encouraged planners to integrate into their development plans. He further disclosed that the Dambai Zone is the second among the six newly created regions to be inaugurated, urging members to demonstrate professionalism and excellence in their work.

The highlight of the event was an address by the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, who commended the leadership of GIP for the initiative and reaffirmed government’s commitment to decentralization and balanced regional development. He emphasized the critical role planners play in ensuring sustainable growth, describing them as “the vision bearers and architects of development.”

Hon. Gyapong noted that the government continues to strengthen the financial base of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies through increased District Assemblies Common Fund allocations, in line with the President’s vision of deepening decentralization. He encouraged planners to adopt innovative and evidence-based approaches to planning and ensure that the development landscape of the Oti Region reflects proper coordination and foresight.

The Minister further revealed that despite having another official assignment to commission a World Vision project in Chinderi, he made it a point to attend the inauguration because of the importance he attaches to planning and development. He shared insights from his recent meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and other Regional Ministers, where discussions focused on the 24-Hour Market Initiative, a flagship government program with funding already secured. He highlighted that planners will play a pivotal role in ensuring the full implementation of this initiative within the next 18 months.

Hon. Gyapong also proposed that the new Chapter be renamed the Oti Zonal Chapter to better reflect inclusivity across all districts within the region. The National President of GIP assured him that the suggestion would be considered during the Institute’s upcoming National Conference scheduled for 27th–28th November 2025 in Tamale.

The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of the first executives of the Dambai Zonal Chapter:

               •             Chairman: Pln. Abass Ibrahim

               •             Vice Chairman: Pln. Simon Bijiba

               •             Secretary: Rev. Pln. Benjamin Nii Ayi Commey

               •             Organizer: Pln. Solomon Sackitey

The inauguration was hailed as a major step towards strengthening the professional capacity of planners in the Oti Region, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the role of planning in achieving sustainable development outcomes.