It was to finalise investment strategies for the eight MMDAs, establish clear implementation arrangements that highlighted key actions, and incorporate the strategies into the 2026-2029 medium-term development plans (MTDP) of the MMDAs.

The beneficiary MMDAs were Wa West and Sissala West in the Upper West Region, Garu, Bongo and Bawku West in the Upper East Region and Chereponi, Yunyoo-Nasuan and Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri in the North East Region.

It was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and in partnership with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Institute of Local Government Studies, and the University of Ghana Business School with funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

Miss Fati Attahiru, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, speaking during the workshop, said it was to empower local governance institutions to ensure more inclusive, responsive, and accountable governance, economic development, and quality service delivery as a peace dividend in marginalised regions.

She emphasised that the validation was to ensure that each strategy aligned seamlessly with the MTDP for 2026-2029 enabling local governments to mobilise resources efficiently, attract vital investments and drive improved service delivery and economic resilience.

She said, “Through collaborative process, we are committed to creating a strategic framework that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities, setting a solid foundation for lasting impact and Inclusive growth.”

Mr. Christopher Papa Kojo Conduah, Senior Planning Analyst, NDPC, said “These eight MMDAs are selected because of their experiences in conflicts and recent development in the communities.

Therefore, we are in to help them to have a development focus and empower the local communities to develop their areas and move them away from conflicts with development.”

Miss Amina Baluwie, Wa West District Planning Officer thanked UNDP and partners for the initiative saying “It is our hope as districts that at the end of these processes, we will be able to woo investors into our districts and with their guidance, we will be able to come out with selling development investment opportunities for investors to come to our districts.”