Ketu North Assembly Holds Public Hearing on 2026–2029 MTDP
The Ketu North Municipal Assembly recently conducted a public hearing on its Draft Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for 2026–2029 in Dzodze. The session, led by local government officials and community stakeholders, was designed to foster inclusive and transparent development planning that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents across the municipality.
Engaging Citizens for Transparent Planning
Voicing a commitment to participatory governance, the assembly invited residents, civil society groups, market associations, religious bodies, and youth representatives to provide input on priority projects, budgets, and implementation timelines. The public hearing emphasized accountability, with officials presenting key components of the MTDP, including infrastructure upgrades, social services, and economic development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in both urban and rural communities.
Key Areas Highlighted in the MTDP
Preliminary presentations outlined several focus areas: robust road and drainage networks to enhance resilience against seasonal weather, improved access to education and healthcare, and targeted programs to boost agriculture, small-scale enterprise, and skilled employment. The MTDP also stresses inclusive development, ensuring vulnerable groups – women, persons with disabilities, and youth – have meaningful opportunities to participate in and benefit from planned projects.
Budgeting and Accountability Measures
Officials explained the resource allocations anticipated for 2026–2029, including potential funding from central government, development partners, and locally generated revenue. A transparency framework was discussed, detailing how communities can monitor project progress, report deviations, and hold implementing agencies accountable for timely delivery and quality outcomes.
Community Feedback Shaping the Plan
During interactive sessions, residents raised concerns about drainage gaps, market access, and the need for better waste management in rapidly growing settlements. Respondents also stressed the importance of job creation, vocational training, and supporting small businesses to drive local economic growth. Many participants called for clearer timelines and performance indicators to track the MTDP’s impact over the 2026–2029 period.
Role of Local Leadership
Municipal officials underscored their obligation to translate public input into implementable actions. The leadership pledged to integrate feedback into the final MTDP document, aligning it with national development priorities while maintaining a bottom-up approach that centers residents’ lived experiences and development needs.
Next Steps in the MTDP Process
Following the public hearing, the draft MTDP will undergo a technical review and consolidation by the assembly’s planning team. A revised document is expected to be presented to the council, with a view to final approval and subsequent budgetary alignment. The process will also include a broader validation exercise to ensure the plan reflects the diverse voices across Ketu North.
Why This MTDP Matters for the Community
Medium-term development plans serve as roadmaps for local progress, guiding investments in infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities. By prioritizing transparency and broad citizen engagement, Ketu North aims to foster trust, improve service delivery, and accelerate sustainable growth. The 2026–2029 MTDP is positioned to help residents reap tangible benefits, from safer roads to better access to healthcare and enhanced livelihoods through inclusive economic initiatives.
Conclusion
The public hearing on the Draft MTDP for 2026–2029 marks a pivotal step in Ketu North’s journey toward accountable governance and inclusive development. As the assembly refines its plan with input from community members, residents can look forward to a clearer, participatory path to shared progress in the years ahead.
