On Thursday, January 13, 2022, The Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP) and the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) concluded on negotiations to launch a Diploma programme for Planning Technicians in Ghana, Integrated Planning programme. The goal of the programme is to build and improve capacities of Sub-Professional personnel working in the physical planning offices of MMDAs and Land Use Planning and management related. The programme targets planning technicians with Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and the Local Government Service.
This was agreed at a meeting between the leadership of Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP) and the management of Koforidua Technical University (KTU) in Koforidua.
At the meeting, the President of GIP briefed the management of KTU that staff of Planning Technician class of Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and Local Government Service currently had no opportunity for career progression through properly structured education and training programme. In desperation, many of them tend to pursue all sorts of academic programmes that are unrelated to their field of practice. He intimated that this situation is particularly worrisome because about 40% of the physical planning departments nationwide are currently manned by the Planning Technicians.
He added that the Institute had recently reviewed its constitution to pave way for professional development of Planning Technicians and this is being implemented through partnership with relevant institutions like KTU to develop and implement relevant academic programmes leading to the award of diploma certificate.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of KTU, Prof. David Kofi Essumang, indicated that the University is very focused on providing training for middle level personnel in all aspects of the economy. He pledged his unflinching support for the programmes and urged all parties to put their shoulders to the wheel and ensure its success. He lamented about the poor state of Land Use Planning and settlement management in the country and urged both sides to work hard to make a difference through this academic programme.
The two parties also agreed to collaborate in other avenues such as training programme for the lecturers who would handle the course, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and establishment of Student Chapter of the Institute on the campus.
As part of the collaboration, the Institute has the responsibility of referring potential students to the University, regularly assessing the content of the course and recommending practitioners to assist in delivering the courses.
Present at the meeting were Pln. Mohammed Alhassan Damba, President of GIP; Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari, First Vice President; Pln. Kenneth Yaoh Ketor, General Secretary; and Pln. Iris Dalaba, Treasurer.
KTU was represented by Prof. David Kofi Essumang, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Anthony Ayakwah; Dr (Mrs) Elizabeth Addy; Dr. Prince Boateng; Pln. Richard Apatewen Azerigyik; and Pln. Dr. Samuel Kwoffie.
By: GIP Secretariat || Date: 13TH January, 2022.
