Madam Sowah was speaking at the launch of the Revised Manual for the Preparation of Spatial Plans, Zoning Guidelines and Planning Standards, organised by the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in Accra.
She said that as Ghana continued to urbanise rapidly with its growing population, it was essential to guide the growth of human settlements with clear and well-coordinated spatial plans, adding that with the revised spatial planning documents now launched, Ghana was reinforcing its commitment to efficient land use, sustainable urban development and environmental protection for the benefit of all communities.

The Deputy Minister said the revised document marked a major milestone in Ghana’s effort to promote coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable spatial development, which was developed through extensive desk studies, technical reviews, regional stakeholder consultations, and national validation workshops.
She indicated that the updated guidelines would strengthen local authorities’ capacity to manage land use efficiently and integrate spatial planning into overall development planning to enhance access to social amenities and protect the environment.

Dr. Kwadwo Yeboah, Chief Executive Officer of LUSPA, said the new documents would transform spatial planning practices in the country by offering clear direction and guidance to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other stakeholders.

“The introduction of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925), the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), the Land Use and Spatial Planning Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2384), and other spatial planning-related laws led to the revision of these documents,” he said.

“This revision will ensure compliance with the current legal frameworks and effectively address new challenges arising from urbanisation and modern spatial development concerns,” she added.

Dr Yeboah stressed that ensuring orderly spatial development would largely depend on the directions and guidance provided by LUSPA through its structures and systems, adding that it was important that all stakeholders supported the important role of LUSPA.
He said the LUSPA would continue to provide guidance and develop the capacities of the District Assemblies and other institutions to effectively perform their spatial planning and human settlement management functions.

The CEO said proper spatial planning would help prevent industrial pollution in residential areas, promote economic stability, improve infrastructure planning, and safeguard environmental and cultural resources.

The event, attended by representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), MMDAs, built environment professionals, academia, and development partners, was supported by the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme.

Ms. Laetitia Erny, Component Manager of PAIReD, said effective spatial governance was crucial to reducing uncertainty, overlapping claims and inefficiency in land and natural resource management.

“While issues of land governance and management are understandably sensitive, the absence of coordinated, transparent, and data-driven spatial planning can undermine development efforts. That is why all stakeholders must work together to coordinate the spatial, economic, social and environmental development of Ghana,” she said.