GIS training strengthens urban planning in Sekondi-Takoradi through CoM SSA
Published: 13 Mar 2025
Mitigation
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) recently organised a Geographic Information System (GIS) training for staff from key departments of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA). As the city faces rapid growth and increasing urban challenges, having the right tools to manage infrastructure, zoning, and environmental concerns is essential. This session provided hands-on knowledge on how GIS can support urban planning, development, and decision-making processes, equipping participants with skills to enhance efficiency in city management.
Staff from the Development Planning, Physical Planning, Statistics, and Works and Housing units participated in the training. These teams play a critical role in shaping the city's infrastructure, housing, and data management, making GIS a valuable addition to their daily work. The session was facilitated by John Dogbe, a GIS expert from the GIZ PAIReD Project, who guided participants through essential GIS applications, including mapping, spatial data analysis, and practical ways to integrate GIS into urban development strategies.
Participants found the training highly relevant to their work, seeing immediate applications for GIS in managing zoning, infrastructure projects, transportation, environmental and gender-sensitive urban planning. The session demonstrated how GIS tools can enhance planning capabilities, streamline workflows, and support data-driven decision-making, allowing STMA staff to improve project tracking and urban management.
Introducing GIS to key departments strengthens STMA’s ability to plan and execute projects with greater accuracy. This training provided a solid foundation for integrating GIS into urban development efforts, equipping staff with the tools needed to make informed decisions. As Sekondi-Takoradi continues to grow, the ability to leverage GIS technology will be instrumental in ensuring a well-planned and sustainable future.
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