The key development issues, which cut across critical areas such as economic development, access to social services, peace and security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), if implemented effectively are expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of underserved communities and groups.

They included the need to scale up the farmer-to-farmer extension/community extension volunteers to all communities, provide pumping machines at subsidised prices, construct dug outs, mechanised boreholes, and grade/reshape/re- gravel roads to enhance the timely carting of foods to markets.

Others were Business Advisory Centres to deliberately target persons living with disabilities, Fulbe and the youth in the roll out of their skills development sessions to empower them with livelihood opportunities.

Mrs Anita Asare Awuku, Senior Projects Officer, STAR Ghana Foundation, who presented the key development issues during the convening in Tamale, mentioned others as need for handrails and the necessary infrastructure to make existing facilities disability-friendly as well as investing in educational infrastructure in areas with sizeable Fulbe communities.

Coordinating Directors and Planning Officers from MMDAs namely Tamale Metropolitan, Savelugu Municipal, Yendi Municipal, Gushegu Municipal, Karaga Municipal, Kumbungu District, Nanumba South, Nanumba North, Saboba, Wa, Lambussie, and Daffiama Bussie Issa including some NGOs, took part in the meeting.

Mrs Awuku mentioned the need for provision of classroom blocks and teachers' accommodation, WASH facilities and CHPS compounds to improve teaching and learning, and health care in communities.

She said the issues were based on needs that had emerged from STAR Ghana Foundation's engagements with groups and organisations that worked for and with underserved groups for a minimum of two years.
She said "In our work as CSOs, we have taken some key actions to complement government's efforts.

However, having them captured in the MTDPS presents opportunities for addressing these needs on a larger scale."
She said district-specific recommendations would be shared with MMDAs to guide targeted interventions, adding similar convening would be held in other zones of the country.

Mr Raymond Danso, Portfolio Manager, STAR Ghana Foundation said the convening was held at the right time because the MMDAs were currently developing their Annual Action Plans for their 2026-2029 MTDPS.

Mr Isaac Salifu, Lambussie District Planning Officer said the issues raised were valid, adding with the needed political will, they could be captured and implemented.