The Omanhene of Essikado Tradition Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, says the top-bottom approach to development should no longer be encouraged since it alienates the very people it is meant to serve. “It is sad that many of our development planners plan without any regard for the needs of the very community they are planning for” he added. Nana Nketsia who was hosting a twelve member delegation from the Royal Netherlands Embassy at his palace said people should have a say in matters of planning and development to own and appreciate projects and programmes. The group which was led by Mr. Micheiel Bierkens, the Deputy Ambassador, was in the country to access the effectiveness of the Netherlands support towards Ghana’s development. He said the trip will assist them to engage actively with government to meet its targets for national development and growth. He said Netherlands would soon slash its financial assistance budget and rather focus on policy initiatives that would be in the interests of poor nations. He said his country would offer support in the development of Ghana’s natural resource base which would involve the implementation of a strategic framework that would mainstream fringe communities in natural resources management. Source: GNA/Ghana