Tamale and Sagnarigu enter into MoU with the European Union to building a more harmonious and efficient Greater Tamale

The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Sanarigu municipality have entered into an agreement with the European Union in Ghana that is aimed at promoting greater efficiency and coordination for sustainable mutual benefits of residents within the greater Tamale area.

The initiative, thus formalized an Interjurisdictional Coordination Management Committee (ICMC), that would build a more harmonious and efficient greater Tamale through strengthening coordinated urban governance.

The ICMC was developed with the support of the EU through the Sustainable Cities Project – Phase 1, implemented by Expertise France under the leadership of the Local Government ministry and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council.

The signing of the MoU, which took place over the weekend between the Tamale Mayor, Alhaji Adam Abu Takoro, the MCE for Sanarigu Assembly; Abdulai Imoro Gong and the Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali John, was witnessed by the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach and officials from Expertise France SCP.

In an addresses during the formal signing of the agreement, the EU Ambassador, Rune Skinnebach described the event as a hopeful moment.

According to him, when coordination works effectively; cities start to function and its people get results.

Mr. Skinnebach explained that the committee isn’t a new administrative burden, but rather a tool for harmony, efficiency and better services delivery, emphasizing that the establishment of the ICMC is therefore not an isolated initiative.

“The formalization of the ICMC builds on cooperation that is already underway between the two assemblies, particularly in the fields if solid waste management, and through the sustainable cities project phase 1, the EU is supporting the two assemblies in the design and progressive implementation of this joint and harmonious solid waste management approach,” the EU Ambassador added.

Ambassador Skinnebach said the EU was proud to support such coherent programs designed as open and scalable, with hopes that neighboring district assemblies may progressively join the process in the future.

The Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali John commended the European Union for its support and interventions in the region and the country at large, particularly in areas of water and sanitation, food security and climate change as well as infrastructure expansion support.

He thereby welcome the new intervention that seeks to strengthen coordination and effective delivery of public services for the greater Tamale area.

Adolf Ali hoped that with such initiative, the existing boundaries challenges between Tamale and Sangnarigu can also be resolved.

He urged the two assembles to endeavor to work and plan together especially on sanitation and other developmental challenges that confront the greater Tamale area.

For their parts – Tamale’s Mayor, Abu Takoro said addressing the numerous developmental challenges that confront the two assemblies will require strong partnerships and therefore was optimistic that through such efforts, they can sustainably enhance the wellbeing of their citizens. His counterpart from Sangarigu, Imoro Gong praised the collaboration which he added will enhance urban governance and also unlock opportunities for growth.

As part of the initiative the two assembly heads together with the Regional Minister and the EU delegation undertook ceremonial tree planting at the Nobisco forest area as part of a reforestation initiative by the Forestry Commission.

They planted tree species such as Acasia, Mahogany and Teak. The EU Ambassador encouraged more of such activities, stressing the importance of green spaces and their positive impact in relations to climate change challenges.

In another development, The European Union in Ghana has embarked on a seven-day bicycle riding experience from Tamale, Northern Regional capital to Ghana’s capital, Accra.

The initiative dubbed “Ride with Team Europe,” covers a 800 kilometers distance from the starting point to the finishing line in Accra, where the team, made up of diplomatic heads and officials from EU-member countries in Ghana, participating in the bicycles ride through major towns and cities along the route.

The ride with Europe team, also attracted bicycle ride enthusiasts from across the country including female bikers who are joining the ride with team Europe on the seven-day journey.

In a brief interaction with the media before the takeoff, at the Jubilee Park in Tamale on Sunday morning, the EU ambassador Rune Skinnebach expressed delight at the adventure and the opportunities this will bring to the riders and the communities along the way.

According to him, the team is expected to make stopovers to interact with political heads, chiefs and people from all walks of life on the course.

Their host, Northern regional Minister, Adolf Ali John joined by other bilkers escorted them out of the region.

Story By: Nelson Adanuti Nyadror |www.diamondfmonline.com |Ghana.