The Sunyani West Municipal Assembly in Ghana’s Bono Region has garnered significant acclaim for its outstanding achievements in urban planning, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. This recognition culminated in an award at the 2025 Ghana Outstanding Community Leadership Awards, where the Assembly’s Head of Physical Planning, Planner Gifty Nyarko, was also honored as the “Most Outstanding Personality in Urban and Regional Planning.” This prestigious event, organized by the Business Executive Group, served as a platform to acknowledge exceptional contributions to governance, development, and community upliftment, drawing a distinguished audience of government officials, diplomats, professionals, and traditional leaders. Planner Nyarko’s recognition underscores her visionary leadership and transformative impact on spatial planning in Ghana, reflecting a career dedicated to creating dignified living spaces for all.
Planner Nyarko’s award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people she serves. Her acceptance speech emphasized her dedication to fostering dignified living spaces, moving beyond the mere technicalities of building permits and embracing a holistic approach to planning. This philosophy resonates with the Business Executive Group’s mission to celebrate leaders who embody innovation, integrity, and a strong service ethic, as articulated by CEO Baroness Paulette Kporo. The awards not only recognize individual achievements but also highlight the importance of transformational leadership, ethical practices, and tangible community impact, setting a benchmark for excellence in both public and private sectors.
With over twelve years of experience in regional and municipal planning, Planner Nyarko has spearheaded numerous projects focused on land governance, spatial planning, and sustainable development. Her work has garnered widespread public support and community endorsements, reflecting the positive impact she has had on the lives of ordinary citizens. This groundswell of support played a crucial role in her nomination for the award, demonstrating the deep appreciation for her dedication and effectiveness. Currently serving as the National Interim President of the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP), Planner Nyarko continues to champion best practices and advocate for improved planning standards across the country.
One of Planner Nyarko’s most notable achievements is her collaborative work with local communities and traditional leaders in Fiapre, within the Sunyani West Municipality. This partnership led to significant improvements in fire safety and road access through various legal interventions and infrastructure upgrades. In recognition of her invaluable contribution to the region, the Fiapre Traditional Authorities named a street, “Gifty Bubuadan Avenue,” in her honor. This gesture symbolizes the deep respect and gratitude felt by the community for her dedication and impactful work.
Beyond her official duties, Planner Nyarko serves as a technical advisor to the “Dumasua Greenery and Urban Renewal Initiative.” This flagship project, part of a seven-year development plan championed by the influential traditional leader Nana Ayebiafo Jnana, aims to transform the Bono Region through sustainable development and urban revitalization. Planner Nyarko’s involvement underscores her commitment to long-term planning and her ability to bridge the gap between traditional leadership and modern urban planning principles.
Under Planner Nyarko’s leadership, the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly has emerged as a national exemplar in regulatory compliance, particularly in the area of planning and development permits. She has successfully promoted participatory land use planning, ensuring that community voices are heard and incorporated into development decisions. Her advocacy for regular Spatial Planning Committee (SPC) meetings has fostered timely and inclusive decision-making processes, facilitating more equitable and sustainable spatial development within the municipality. Furthermore, she has navigated complex political pressures and personal challenges with unwavering professionalism, transparency, and ethical leadership. Her resolute efforts to address land encroachment issues and protect public assets demonstrate her unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and public service. Her work has established a model for other municipalities to emulate, contributing significantly to improved planning practices and community development across Ghana.
