NGO launches programme to develop Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi

Takoradi, Dec 9, GNA – The CHF International, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Friday launched a four-year programme aimed at reducing urban poverty in Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi, in Takoradi.

The NGO with financial support from the Foundation initiated the programme dubbed: “Inclucity - improving Governance and Services for Ghana’s urban poor.’’ Mr Alberto Wilde, Country Director of the CHF, said Inclucity would assist the Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assemblies to work for the urban poor through increased constructive participation of slum residents, in governance.

He said the NGO, which would work in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, would among other functions increase the capacity of the two assemblies, to generate revenue to develop their communities to improve the standards of living of the urban poor.

Mr Wilde said: ‘’The times of unpaid utility bills, property rates, tolls and levies have to be done away with if our assemblies and urban service providers are to deliver on their mandate”.

He said to address the situation, the InterCity programme would assist the two cities to improve upon revenue generation through enhanced revenue plans and orientation of staff of the assemblies.

Launching the programme, Mr Aquinas Quansah, Deputy Minister of the Local Government and Rural Development, said the Government was committed to deepening the decentralization process, and has, therefore, encouraged the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to make innovations to develop their areas. The Deputy Minister noted that the quest for lucrative jobs has led to urbanization, poverty and insanitary conditions, and he encouraged the youth to take advantage of the resources in the rural area and develop their talents.