EU Signs MoU With Tamale, Sagnarigu Assemblies

Rune Skinnebach with Ali Adolf John, Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro and Abdulai Imoro Gong

 

The European Union (EU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly to establish an Inter-Jurisdictional Coordination Management Committee (ICMC).

The MoU aims to strengthen coordinated urban governance in Greater Tamale as urban expansion increasingly transcends administrative boundaries.

The ICMC will provide a structured platform for coordination and facilitation between the two assemblies, supporting dialogue, alignment of planning processes, identification of common priorities, and the progressive development of joint actions on shared metropolitan concerns, particularly spatial planning and solid waste management.

The formalisation of the ICMC builds on cooperation already underway, especially in solid waste management. Joint work has begun to develop a harmonised waste management system for Greater Tamale based on coordinated planning, shared operational logic and common service standards.

Under the Sustainable Cities Project – Phase 1, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France under the leadership of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the EU is supporting both assemblies in designing and implementing a joint solid waste management approach which includes defining coherent collection zones across jurisdictions, introducing coordinated procurement through performance-based contracts, aligning service standards and operational procedures, and funding key equipment such as collection trucks, skips and containers.

The initiative reflects the involvement of national, regional and local stakeholders committed to improving metropolitan governance and promoting integrated urban development in Ghana.

It supports six urban areas in Northern Ghana namely Tamale, Damongo, Nalerigu, Bolgatanga, Yendi and Wa in strengthening urban governance, planning systems and public service delivery through integrated and sustainable approaches.

At the signing, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, commended the two assemblies for their initiative.

“What happens in one area affects the others. This committee is not a new administrative burden; it is a tool for harmony, efficiency and better services. It is also a sign of leadership, because it takes vision and courage to come together and say we will succeed together,” he said.

Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, noted longstanding boundary and territorial issues between Tamale and Sagnarigu that stem from confusion between administrative and traditional demarcations.

“These issues have been lingering since the creation of Sagnarigu Municipality out of the original Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, creating some animosity that has remained unresolved,” he disclosed.

He urged both assemblies to use the initiative to undertake joint development planning with a shared vision to ensure coordinated development for Greater Tamale.

“The two assemblies should now focus on sanitation challenges and develop solutions that accommodate waste generated across both districts. Many road networks also cut across the districts, and it is important you collaborate to bring harmony in the design and execution of road infrastructure,” he added.

Tamale Mayor, Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, said critical development challenges such as climate change, peace and security, water and sanitation, and food security, require collective action, strong partnerships and effective collaboration.

Sagnarigu Municipal Chief Executive, Abdulai Imoro Gong, said the partnership would enhance urban governance, improve service delivery and drive sustainable development in the Greater Tamale area, pledging the municipality’s commitment to coordinated efforts.

The Sustainable Cities Project – Phase 1 is a joint EU–Ghana initiative aimed at creating more resilient, inclusive and prosperous urban environments, with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women and youth.

 

FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale

Read Full Story