Strengthen Spatial Planning To Prevent Disasters And Build Resilient Communities – LOGSAPP President Urges Gov’t
The National President of the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LOGSAPP), Pin. Amb. Gifty Nyarko, has called for stronger institutional support for spatial planning as a critical tool for disaster risk prevention, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure delivery in Ghana.
She made the call in her Presidential Address at the Third Annual General Meeting and Conference of LOGSAPP held under the theme: “Strengthening Spatial Planning for Disaster Risk Prevention, Reduction, Climate Change Resilience and Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery in Ghana.”
Addressing dignitaries including the Chairperson, Ministers, Nananom, Head of the Local Government Service, heads of institutions and members of the media, Amb. Nyarko said physical planning must be placed at the centre of national policy, local governance and public investment.
“The location of a home, the protection of a waterway, the reservation of land for public infrastructure and the enforcement of a planning decision all have consequences for public safety.
When these responsibilities receive inadequate attention, communities carry the cost through avoidable losses and disrupted livelihoods,” she stated.
She stressed that roads, drainage systems, schools, health facilities and housing can only achieve lasting value when they form part of a coherent settlement plan guided by sound spatial analysis and environmental considerations.
Amb. Nyarko noted that whenever disasters occur, physical planners and engineers are often the first to face public criticism. While acknowledging their responsibility to protect public safety, she said a fair assessment must also consider whether technical advice was followed, approved plans were respected, and the necessary staff and resources were provided.
She therefore appealed to government, the Local Government Service and relevant authorities to address critical staffing gaps in Physical Planning Departments across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), adding that staffing levels must reflect the size, population and development pressures of each Assembly.
According to her, physical planners also need reliable operational funding, transport for field inspections, modern surveying equipment, computers and geospatial software to effectively prepare plans and monitor development.
She further called for a coordinated national programme to procure and regularly update accurate and comprehensive base maps for all MMDAs to enable planners to assess existing development, identify disaster-prone areas and guide infrastructure investment.
Amb. Nyarko appealed for sustained investment in professional development to equip planners with skills in geographic information systems, climate risk assessment and resilient urban development.
She urged Assemblies, traditional authorities, landowners, developers and communities to work together from the early stages of development to protect drainage corridors, wetlands, green spaces and other environmentally sensitive areas.
She also reminded members of LOGSAPP of their obligation to uphold professional integrity by providing honest technical advice, applying procedures fairly, and treating clients with courtesy and respect.
“As National President, I reaffirm LOGSAPP’s commitment to advancing the welfare, competence and professional standing of our members. We will continue to advocate for adequate staffing, improved working conditions and stronger institutional recognition,” she assured.
She concluded that Ghana’s future settlements are being shaped by today’s decisions, and urged planners to lead with competence, courage and integrity to build safer communities and a resilient future for the country.
