The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has successfully organised a landmark training programme for over 300 regional and urban planners in the Greater Accra Region.

Held at the Ghana International Conference Centre, the specialised training focused on land use planning, spatial analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications to enhance evidence-based decision-making for urban expansion and sustainable land management.

The initiative, spearheaded by Dr Bernard Fosu Frimpong, a renowned expert in remote sensing and land cover change detection, provided a cutting-edge approach to urban planning.

Through practical GIS exercises, case study analyses, and interactive sessions, participants were equipped with advanced technical skills essential for monitoring land use changes, enforcing sustainable development policies, and mitigating the effects of rapid urbanisation on natural resources.

Participants praised. Bernard Fosu Frimpong for his exceptional depth of knowledge and engaging delivery. Madam Esther Asiedu, a senior urban planner, described the program as "an unprecedented and highly impactful training that has transformed how we approach land use planning. Dr. Frimpong’s ability to break down complex GIS applications into practical, real-world solutions was truly commendable."

Another participant, Mr. Kwame Boamah, a district planning officer, stated, "This training has empowered us with tools that were previously inaccessible. We now have the skills to integrate remote sensing and spatial analysis into our work, making urban planning more efficient and sustainable. I think this is the first time that we as a body of professionals have undergone such comprehensive training.”

Speaking at the closing session, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Nii Osah Mills, lauded the initiative, highlighting its strategic importance in addressing urban sprawl, deforestation, and land tenure issues. He remarked, "This training marks a major step forward in equipping our urban planners with modern tools to manage Ghana’s rapidly growing cities. Dr. Frimpong’s expertise has been instrumental in making this a success, and we intend to extend this program nationwide to benefit planners across all regions."

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Bernard Fosu Frimpong commended the Ministry for its dedication to advancing capacity building in land use planning. He stated, "I sincerely appreciate the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for sponsoring this critical training program and for their unwavering commitment to sustainable land management in Ghana. Investing in the technical expertise of planners is a step in the right direction, and I am honored to have played a role in this initiative. I look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the long-term success of this effort."

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable land use policies and announced plans to institutionalise similar capacity-building programs for urban planners, municipal authorities, and policymakers. The training concluded with a call to action for stronger collaborations between government agencies and technical experts to enhance land management strategies nationwide.