8-Year Development Plan built on inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity for all - Hon. George Justice Arthur

In a significant effort towards implementing the 8-Year Development Plan, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has convened its inaugural development forum, aimed at securing funding and forging strategic partnerships for the implementation of five key infrastructural projects.

The forum, held at the conference room of the esteemed Lancaster Hotel, Accra on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, assembled prominent sons and daughters of the city, united in their vision to contribute to the development of Cape Coast.

Sharing his vision for the development plan, the Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer for Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur, emphasized that he envisions a comprehensive plan founded on inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity for all, focusing primarily on transforming Cape Coast into a modern and vibrant city that showcases the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of the ancient city.

To achieve the vision, Mr. Arthur emphasized the importance of prioritizing infrastructure development, including enhancing roads, water supply, and sanitation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Arthur observed that healthcare and education would be strengthened to ensure quality services for all citizens of Cape Coast.

Another sector that requires attention and promotion, according to the MCE, is tourism. "We would promote tourism, leveraging our historic sites and the beauty of our natural landscape to create opportunities for our people and stimulate growth," he stated, adding that these must be aligned with national goals and community needs.

To achieve this, Mr. Arthur intimated that the assembly would harness technology and partnerships in the areas of revenue mobilization, public service delivery, and public service policy compliance, aimed at driving economic growth.

The galvanising point of the plan is to position Cape Coast as a centre for innovation and investment. All these can be achieved through economic empowerment by ensuring the empowerment of local businesses and promoting entrepreneurship geared towards fostering development that creates opportunities for the teeming youth.

He mentioned that the assembly's integrated financing framework, which is based on transparency and accountability, aims to engage communities by enhancing coordination between local and central government, with the overarching vision of ensuring that development funding yields meaningful outcomes. "Our objective is to establish resilient communities, generate employment, and enhance livelihoods," he emphasized.

Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, a Ghanaian lawyer and former chairperson of the Electoral Commission, who was the special guest, reiterated that Cape Coast belongs to all of us, and as the mother city of modern Ghana and the city of firsts, "it was time to move beyond what we have to get to where we want it to be," she stated.

Explaining the basis for the City-of-first, Madam Osei disclosed that approximately two years ago, they undertook an exercise and discovered about 60 historical firsts. "We undertook an exercise two years ago, compiling historical monuments or historical firsts and uncovered about 60 plus," she revealed.

The former EC Chair underscored that Cape Coast boasts an array of natural resources, including the sea, lagoon and various underdeveloped man-made historical sites, whose development can contribute significantly to Ghana's growth.

She observed that despite the abundance of untapped resources and the city's human capital, Cape Coast has fallen behind due to a lack of political will and collective motivation, she stated. "The launch of an 8-Year Development Plan by the Mayor has addressed a significant aspect of the issue," she noted. "As the Bible states, 'Write the vision and make it plain, so all may run with it,'" she suggested, emphasizing, "Today, we have witnessed the vision, and it is our collective responsibility to implement it," Madam Osei stressed.

Also speaking at the function was Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, commonly referred to as Ragga, MP for Cape Coast North, who noted that Cape Coast is home to some of Ghana's most prestigious second-cycle schools, as well as the top tertiary institution, the University of Cape Coast. "What additional opportunities exist beyond these?" queried Ragga.

He further challenged all participants to consider what additional initiatives can be undertaken beyond the implementation of existing plans. The Atta Mills Library, Metropolitan Hospital, etc., are already established and merely require renovation or redevelopment, he stated, emphasizing, "What further enhancements can be made beyond the current level?" he inquired again.

It was the MP's considered opinion that with more innovation, Cape Coast can achieve monumental heights. "We need to deploy innovations in our revenue mobilization from all possible areas to aid our development," he suggested.

Regarding tourism, he disputed the prevailing notion that Cape Coast is a tourism hub, arguing that apart from the Cape Coast Castle, there are insufficient attractions to justify that designation. "To be considered a tourism hub, we must be deliberate in developing our tourism potential," Ragga emphasized.

Veteran lawyer Nana Ato Dadzie, also speaking, advised managers of Cape to harness the vast human capital, particularly from Second Cycle Schools, to contribute to its development. "If old boys and girls can organize fundraising initiatives both within and outside Ghana, then the assembly can rely on associations to assist in its development," he counseled.

Following the official speeches, fundraising and partnership efforts were undertaken to support the implementation of various projects outlined below: 

1. Mr. Amoakoh-Hutson committed to donating tables and chairs for schools under the 8-Year Development Plan. 

2. Madam Charlotte Osei assumed responsibility for the redevelopment of Victoria Park, Museum, and Fosu Lagoon. 

3. Mr. Frank Hutchful, also known as Oguaa Akoto, was assigned the task of renovating the Old High Court Building. 

4. Impact Next Generation pledged to donate furniture to schools. 

5. The Association of Concerned Cape Coast Citizens and Residents was entrusted with the construction of a children's park. 

6. Dr. Orleans would undertak the construction of a monument in honour of Prof. Evans Atta Mills. 

7. Saanahen Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kweku Yensu I, was tasked with renovating the building where the Bond of 1844 was signed. 

8. Assembly members collectively donated ¢20,000 towards the purchase of sanitation tools, while Nana Ato Dadzie pledged to cover all development and architectural design costs for the projects. 

The forum successfully raised ¢76,000.00 in cash and pledges, with additional donations of $20,000.

Cape Coast has unveiled its ambitious 8-year development plan (2026–2033), centered on transforming the city into a modern, sustainable, and industrial hub. Key priorities encompass upgrading road networks, enhancing sanitation, cultivating digital infrastructure, and augmenting tourism, with funding supported by the Oguaman Development Fund, the District Assembly Common Funds, and private capital.

The inaugural plan implementation forum has been held setting in motion what the assembly seeks to achieve in 2026, aimed at fostering economic growth and prosperity for all. As to whether the implementation would go as scheduled would to be seen in the future. 

The inaugural plan implementation forum has been convened, setting in motion the assembly's objectives for 2026, focused on promoting economic growth and prosperity for all. Whether the implementation will proceed as planned remains to be determined in the future.

By DC Kwame Kwakye