The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has joined a European Union-funded Sustainable Cities Programme aimed at strengthening urban planning, climate resilience and digital governance systems within rapidly growing cities.
Mayor of Tamale, Hon. Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, announced this during the Assembly’s stakeholder engagement and Town Hall Meeting held on 7 May 2026, under the Government’s “Accounting to the People” initiative.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Sagnarigu Municipality, with technical support from UN-Habitat and funding assistance from the Government of Norway and the European Union.
According to the Mayor, the initiative is expected to enhance integrated urban planning, improve waste management systems, and strengthen institutional coordination across local government structures.
“The programme will support evidence-based planning, digitalisation of systems and sustainable urban development within the metropolis,” Hon. Takoro stated.
He explained that Tamale’s participation in the programme is part of broader efforts to position the city as a modern and climate-resilient urban centre capable of managing rapid population growth and increasing environmental pressures.
The initiative also aligns with government’s national development priorities under the Resetting Agenda, which seeks to modernise infrastructure and improve service delivery across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Acting Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, described the initiative as a significant step towards sustainable development.
He noted that the programme reflects government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote innovation, environmental sustainability and efficient urban governance.
Mr. Abudu also reiterated that development is most effective when citizens are actively involved in decision-making processes.
“Development can only be meaningful when the people are actively involved in the process,” he said.
Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the announcement, describing the Smart Cities Programme as a timely intervention to address challenges such as waste management, urban congestion and infrastructure planning in Tamale.
The Town Hall Meeting ended with calls for stronger collaboration between government institutions, development partners and local communities to ensure successful implementation of the programme’s objectives.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
