Rural communities are the backbone of our nation, significantly contributing to our national development. However, they encounter various challenges, such as insufficient infrastructure, restricted access to essential services, economic instability, and environmental concerns."
In response to this, the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGRD), in collaboration with the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), organised a workshop aimed at planning and reviewing the Rural Development Policy (2019 – 2023).
Following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BIRD and the Ministry, BIRD was tasked with supporting the policy's revision. Dr. Ebenezer Owusu-Addo, the project lead, addressing the Technical Inter- Sectoral team, highlighted the significance of the workshop in shaping the policy review.
"We have completed the initial stage of the situational analysis, which was the first step in developing the revised national Rural Development Policy. Understanding our current position in national rural development is crucial, which is why we presented statistics on rural development indicators, structures, and systems that support it. We are now seeking input on the current situation and the way forward," he said.
The Ministry established the Technical Inter-Sectoral team as part of the policy development initiative. Dr. Owusu expressed his satisfaction with the participants' engagement and the progress made in developing the policy.
"This stage is fundamental. We’ve learnt valuable lessons from the situational assessment and that will inform the next phase of the policy development. After gathering ideas, we will draft the policy and conduct zonal consultations with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to further refine it before returning for a national-level session to finalize the project. We are pleased with this session, and the enthusiasm and support we received were encouraging. If this continues, it will be beneficial for the nation," he added.
Mr. Amin Abdul Rahman, Chief Director of MLGRD, expressed his appreciation to the committee and BIRD for their contributions to this important initiative.
"I want to thank BIRD for their diligent work in preparing the Situational Analysis Report and completing other planned activities on time. I also extend my gratitude to each committee member for your willingness to serve. Your contributions are vital, and I am confident that together, we will make significant progress in advancing rural development in our country," he remarked.
The policy aims to achieve economic and social development in rural areas, providing better opportunities for poverty alleviation and an enhanced quality of life. Among the attendees were Prof. Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, Dr. Monica Addison, Dr. Ebenezer Owusu, and Dr. Bernice Wadei.
