The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) has launched an 8-Year Development Plan (2026-2033) designed to drive inclusive economic growth, strengthen urban infrastructure, and promote sustainable development across the metropolis.
The plan was officially unveiled at a ceremony held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the School of Graduate Studies Auditorium of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
Addressing the gathering, Mr. George Justice Arthur, MCE for Cape Coast, said the plan is anchored on five strategic pillars; Economic Growth and Job Creation, Infrastructure and Urban Development, Social and Human Capital Development, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action, and Good Governance and Institutional Strengthening.
He explained that the plan was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and expert input, reflecting a shared vision for Cape Coast’s transformation.
“…we are looking at some thematic areas. We are looking at economic development, social development, social issues, infrastructure development, we considered employment, tuition in the metropolis, and we are also looking at tourism.”
“…next year there’s going to be tourism summit in Cape Coast. It’s the first of its kind,” he continued.
Mr. Arthur emphasized that the Assembly would pursue both internal and external funding avenues to support the plan’s implementation. Meanwhile, he stressed that the 8-year development plan adopted a purely bipartisan approach to ensure continuity in subsequent years towards the development of Cape Coast.
Mr. George Justice Arthur outlined the projected funding sources to include funds from the central government, the District Assembly Common Fund with specific allocations pre-determined by the President and potential investments from sister city countries.
He noted that partnerships with the private sector, international development agencies, and local institutions would be critical in mobilizing resources to execute key projects.
Commending the CCMA for the initiative, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, lauded the inclusion of tourism development as a core component of the plan.
He believes the 8-year development plan’s focus on tourism highlight existing initiatives already underway such as mapping touristic investment areas which will be profiled on the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform, investintourism.org.
The plan is expected to guide policy decisions, attract investment, and ensure that Cape Coast maintains its status as a cultural, educational, and tourism hub while embracing modern development principles.
The event brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, policymakers, civil society groups, academics, and members of the clergy. Distinguished guests included Former Chancellor of UCC, Mr. Sam Brew-Butler, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamina Minta-Nyarku, Acting Deputy Central Regional Director of the EPA, Mr. Nurideen Kobina Essah, a representative of the Vice-President, Central Regional Minister, Acting CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Prof. Kobby Mensah, and the Metropolitan Chief Executive of CCMA, Hon. George Justice Arthur; among others.
Source: Alhaji Ibrahim/ATLFMNEWS
