New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called for political parties in Ghana to agree on long-term masterplans so that major national projects continue when governments change.
Dr Bawumia made the appeal after the final day of formal meetings during his study tour of Japan, where his delegation met representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Nippon Koei, CTI Engineering and Oriental Consultants Global.
He said the four organisations were leaders in their respective fields and that discussions centred on disaster risk reduction, coastal erosion, flood mitigation, transport planning and the preparation of masterplans for cities.
Japan’s long-term approach to planning was the main feature of the meetings for Dr Bawumia. He said the country builds consensus around a plan before committing to its implementation over a period of 30 years.
That approach, he said, reduced the likelihood that a new government would abandon projects started by its predecessor.
“That is a major difference between Japan and Ghana. In Ghana, we often do not have an agreed masterplan in many critical areas that we are all working towards, regardless of party. We must change that. I believe we can,” Dr Bawumia wrote on Facebook.
He said Ghana should develop agreed plans covering coastal erosion, flood control and public transport, with every political party signing up to them.
“So that no matter who forms the government, the plan will be executed until it is completed,” he said.
Dr Bawumia also visited 3R, an environmental technology company, during the Japan tour. He described the visit as an important opportunity to see the work of a company focused on sustainable innovation.
According to him, 3R has developed technology that can recycle water and clean contaminated soil by removing harmful heavy metals, including mercury.
He said the technology could be particularly relevant as Ghana considers sustainable, long-term ways to restore land and waterbodies affected by Galamsey.
“Innovation like this proves that with the right technology, determination, and foresight, we can heal our environment, protect our natural resources, and secure a safer, cleaner future for generations to come.
“My warmest gratitude to the leadership and technical team at 3R for opening up their facility and sharing such invaluable insights with us!” he said.
