The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has lauded the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, for what she described as a “brilliant and deeply reflective” contribution to national discourse on development.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Zuwera commended her colleague for raising pertinent issues that resonate deeply with Ghana’s urban development and governance realities. She revealed that many of the points he highlighted were thoughts she had long harbored but had not yet put in writing.
Hon. Zuwera noted with appreciation that her colleague drew comparisons with Singapore and other developed societies, and she was particularly pleased that the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, was present to hear the discussion firsthand.
Sharing insights from her recent visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Salaga South legislator recounted her admiration for the city’s remarkable transformation.
“Addis Ababa is being consciously built with three- to four-lane roads, proper pedestrian walkways, and green spaces. Even couples walk freely holding hands, Ethiopians are truly walking in their own city.” she said.
In contrast, she lamented the situation in Ghana where pedestrian walkways are either absent or encroached upon by street hawkers.
“If you attempt to walk from Afrikiko to 37, even in front of the Presidency, a car could knock you down because there are no pavements. Everything seems to be about vehicles. Ghanaians need space.” she stressed.
Hon. Zuwera also expressed concern about the lack of green infrastructure, criticizing the widespread replacement of trees with concrete and pavement stones. She noted that such spaces, meant for beautification and shade, are now taken over by traders selling everyday items.
She called for stronger regulation against indiscriminate tree felling, questioning the roles of the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. Drawing examples from the UK, she explained that no one can cut down a tree without a permit from the local council.
Citing lessons from her experience in Kigali, Rwanda, Hon. Zuwera observed that the Ministry of Local Government there plays a central role in national development planning, lamenting that the same coordination is lacking in Ghana.
“All ministries in Rwanda align their programs and budgets with the needs of local communities before submitting them to the Ministry of Finance. In Ghana, I doubt that the local government minister is even consulted when development programs and activities are planned in the districts.” she added.
Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah concluded by expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Annoh-Dompreh for inspiring such a critical conversation in Parliament. She urged the House to move beyond debate and take practical steps to improve Ghana’s urban planning, environmental management, and overall development agenda.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
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