The Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP) has successfully organised its maiden training on geospatial technologies, bringing together over 450 planning and geospatial technologists from across the country. The landmark event, held in Kumasi, was led by renowned remote sensing and GIS expert, Dr. Bernard Fosu Frimpong, whose expertise in land use and land cover (LULC) analysis, spatial modelling, and environmental management made him the ideal trainer for this groundbreaking initiative.

The training, themed "Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS Applications for Sustainable Urban and Land Use Planning," aimed to equip professionals from metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs), as well as private sector organisations, with cutting-edge skills to enhance evidence-based decision-making in urban planning and environmental conservation.
Participants engaged in hands-on GIS exercises, case study analyses, and interactive discussions, gaining practical experience in applying geospatial tools to real-world challenges in Ghana’s fast-growing urban centres.

Participants hailed the training as unprecedented, emphasising its transformative impact on their professional capabilities. Mr. Salifu Iddrisu, a planner from the Northern Region, remarked, “Dr. Bernard Frimpong’s depth of knowledge and teaching style made this training the best I have ever attended. The clarity with which he explained complex GIS concepts was outstanding.” Similarly, Ms. Abena Adu-Gyamfi from the Bono Region stated, “This training has empowered me with skills I never thought I would acquire. The hands-on approach made learning seamless, and I am now confident in using remote sensing tools for urban planning.”

From the Upper West Region, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed expressed his excitement, saying, “This program is a game-changer for planning professionals. The insights shared by Dr. Frimpong have given us a new perspective on sustainable land use planning.” Ms. Linda Ahiable from the Ashanti Region added, “I have attended many workshops, but none have been this practical and impactful. I commend GIP for bringing in such a seasoned expert.” Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Issahaku Bature from the Savannah Region praised the initiative, saying, “This is the kind of training we need to revolutionise planning in Ghana. Dr. Frimpong’s expertise has opened new doors for us in geospatial technologies.”

The President of the Ghana Institute of Planners, Mr. Samuel Opoku, described the event as “a historic milestone in capacity-building for planners in Ghana” and the first of its kind in West Africa. He stated, “This is an outstanding initiative that sets a precedent for how planning and geospatial technologies should be integrated into sustainable development. The level of expertise demonstrated by Dr. Frimpong is unparalleled, and we are proud to have hosted such a first-class training.”

With the resounding success of this training, the Ghana Institute of Planners has announced plans to institutionalise similar workshops nationwide, ensuring that urban and regional planners across Ghana continue to benefit from advanced geospatial education. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to leveraging GIS and remote sensing technologies for informed decision-making and sustainable land management.