Northern RCC Ghana

𝗡𝗥𝗖𝗖 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘

The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting orderly, sustainable and well-coordinated development across the region through effective spatial planning and land use management.

This came to light during an orientation workshop on the revised Spatial Planning Documents held on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026 at the Residency Round Pavilion in Tamale. The workshop brought together officials from the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), Regional Spatial Planning Committee members, Heads of State Institutions, representatives of professional bodies, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), development planners and members of the media.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, the Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, described spatial planning as a critical tool for translating development visions into orderly, sustainable and equitable physical realities.

He noted that the revised planning documents, namely the Zoning Guidelines and Planning Standards as well as the Manual for Preparation of Spatial Plans, are intended to strengthen efficiency in land use planning and ensure the effective utilization of land resources within communities across the region and the country at large.

According to him, the revised documents have been aligned with key national legal frameworks including the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925), the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2384).

Mr. Abudu emphasized that the alignment of the revised documents with existing legal frameworks is not only a statutory requirement but also demonstrates the collective commitment of stakeholders towards governing land use planning processes with clarity, efficiency and foresight.

He further explained that the revisions carefully integrate contemporary physical development trends and evolving land use dynamics, which continue to shape communities and landscapes through economic, social and environmental changes.

“Our landscapes and communities are living entities continuously shaped by economic, social and environmental forces. The updated guidelines and manual therefore serve as essential tools to guide local authorities, planners, developers and stakeholders in managing growth and change in a manner that fosters sustainable human settlement,” he stated.

The Chief Director stressed that the workshop was designed to enhance knowledge sharing and strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to ensure consistency and effectiveness in spatial planning and zoning practices across the various Municipal and District Assemblies within the region.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share practical field experiences and seek clarity on the application of the revised guidelines to enable effective implementation at the local level.

Mr. Abudu reiterated the commitment of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to supporting spatial planning initiatives that promote good governance, environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.

He urged all stakeholders to utilize the revised spatial planning documents with diligence, transparency and renewed dedication in order to build a region that serves as a model of structured and sustainable growth.

According to Mr. Patrick Apraku of Land Use Spatial Planning Authority, spatial planning remains a critical tool for sustainable development as it provides a clear framework for the efficient use of land, effective management of natural resources, coordinated infrastructure delivery and the creation of inclusive, resilient and livable communities. He stressed that with Ghana’s rapidly growing population and increasing development pressures, especially within urban centers, there is an urgent need for more coordinated, participatory and responsive planning approaches to effectively guide development and manage human settlements.

Mr. Apraku further explained that the revised planning documents were developed in line with the Land Use Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925) and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2384), which mandate LUSPA to prepare spatial plans, strengthen institutional capacities and issue guidelines to ensure compliance with national planning standards. He noted that the revision became necessary to align the documents with current legal, policy and development frameworks while addressing calls for greater clarity, consistency, standardization and stakeholder participation in land use planning processes. He added that the revised spatial planning documents were officially launched by the in November 2025 and have since been distributed to Regional Coordinating Councils, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as other key stakeholders across the country.

The workshop formed part of efforts aimed at equipping planners, technical officers and relevant stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and practical understanding required for the successful implementation of the revised spatial planning framework across the Northern Region.

𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗔𝗟𝗜 𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗙 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧'𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔

The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketia, has successfully concluded a five-day Thank You Tour of the Northern Region aimed at expressing appreciation to party faithful, traditional authorities, and residents for their overwhelming support during the 2024 general elections.

The tour, which took place from Sunday, 17th to Thursday, 21st May, 2026, saw the National Chairman and his entourage visit all the sixteen Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region, including courtesy calls on eminent chiefs and traditional rulers at various palaces, notably the historic Gbewaa Palace.

Leading the delegation throughout the region was the Northern Regional Minister and Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Ali Adolf John, who described the tour as a demonstration of gratitude, unity, and renewed commitment by the NDC to the people of the Northern Region.

Addressing party supporters, traditional leaders, youth groups, women, and stakeholders during various engagements, Hon. Ali Adolf John expressed profound appreciation to the people of the region for their unwavering loyalty and massive endorsement of the NDC in the last elections.

According to him, the impressive support received by the party across the Northern Region reflects the confidence and trust the people have in the leadership and development agenda of the NDC government under President John Dramani Mahama.

He emphasized that the Thank You Tour was not merely a ceremonial exercise, but an opportunity for the party leadership to reconnect with the grassroots, listen to the concerns of the people, and reaffirm government’s commitment to inclusive governance and equitable development.

The Northern Regional Minister commended party executives at the regional, constituency, branch, and polling station levels for their sacrifices and dedication before, during, and after the elections. He noted that the victory of the NDC was achieved through unity, discipline, hard work, and collective determination by party members and supporters across the region.

Hon. Ali Adolf John further stated that the Northern Region remains a strategic pillar of the NDC and assured residents that government would continue to prioritize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, water supply, sanitation, youth empowerment, women development, and infrastructure expansion.

The Regional Minister also praised traditional authorities across the region for the warm reception accorded the delegation and acknowledged the indispensable role chiefs continue to play in ensuring peace, social harmony, and development within their communities.

A major highlight of the tour was the donation of GH¢50,000 by the National Chairman, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, towards the ongoing construction of the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

The gesture, according to Hon. Ali Adolf John, signifies the NDC’s deep respect for the institution of chieftaincy and its recognition of the rich cultural heritage and historical importance of the Dagbon Kingdom.

He indicated that chiefs remain key development partners whose guidance, wisdom, and influence are essential in promoting peaceful coexistence and accelerating development efforts in the region.

Speaking during some of the engagements, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the Northern Region for their steadfast support to the NDC over the years and assured them that the government remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promises.

The National Chairman also applauded all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as well as administrative officers across the region for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment towards the effective implementation of government policies and programmes aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of the people.

He noted that the collaborative efforts between political leadership and the local administrative machinery have significantly contributed to the smooth ex*****on of government interventions and the advancement of development across the Northern Region.

Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia further urged party supporters to remain united and avoid internal divisions that could undermine the progress and strength of the party, stressing that unity remains the foundation for sustainable political success and national development.

The National Chairman encouraged party members to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at reviving the economy, improving livelihoods, and creating opportunities for the youth and vulnerable groups.

Hon. Ali Adolf John used the occasion to call on residents of the Northern Region to continue supporting the government’s Reset Agenda and other development initiatives intended to transform communities and improve living standards across the country.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring balanced development across all districts and assured the people that no community would be left behind in the distribution of national projects and interventions.

The Regional Minister also expressed gratitude to the security services, traditional councils, religious leaders, the media, and all stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful organization of the Thank You Tour.

The four-day tour ended successfully with renewed calls for peace, unity, discipline, and collective responsibility towards the development of the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole.