Cape Coast MP calls for intentional development as city launches 8-year plan

Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, known affectionately as Ragga, has expressed deep concern over the haphazard development of Cape Coast, saying the city’s growth has lacked deliberate planning and coherence over the years.

Speaking during the launch of the Cape Coast Eight-Year Development Plan (2026–2033) at the University of Cape Coast Graduate School Auditorium on October 9, 2025, Dr. Nyarku described the city’s development pattern as inconsistent and reactive rather than visionary.

“I’m going to be the prodigal son of Cape Coast and be brutally frank about it. I don’t think we’ve been intentional in making Cape Coast what it should be,” he said. “We may have many accolades as the ‘City of Firsts,’ but apart from the Castle, there is little to justify our claim as a tourism hub.”

He called for the urgent revival of neglected heritage sites such as Jacob Wilson-Sey’s residence, Philip Quacoe’s legacy, and the historic Pitman’s School, stressing that Cape Coast must take deliberate steps to position itself as Ghana’s premier tourism destination.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Cape Coast, Hon. George Justice Arthur, who officially launched the plan, said the initiative represents a major turning point in the city’s development. He explained that the comprehensive document embodies the aspirations of the people of Cape Coast and aims to redefine the city’s growth trajectory.

He outlined the six main themes of the plan: Social Development, Economic Development, Environmental Protection, Infrastructure Delivery and Management, Governance and Administration, and Implementation Measures.

Chief Mike Dery, Presidential Staffer and Political Coordinator for the Central Region, representing Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, commended the Assembly for adopting an evidence-based, long-term approach to planning. “I’m reliably informed that the CCMA’s 8-Year Development Plan is a product of thorough consultation and a commitment to long-term benefit over short-term political gains,” he said.

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UCC, Prof. Simon Mariwah, described the plan as a shared social contract that should serve as a collective vision for the city’s transformation. He urged stakeholders to view it not merely as a policy document but as a call to action toward building a modern, inclusive, and sustainable city. “This event should represent a renewed commitment to transforming Cape Coast into a modern city that we all want to see,” he emphasized.

Prof. Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, praised the initiative as innovative and forward-thinking. He called for collective participation, echoing the slogan from Dr. Nyarku’s campaign, “Obiara Ka Ho,” meaning “everyone is involved.” “For Cape Coast to leap forward, it begins with this plan, and that requires everyone’s effort,” he added.

Chairman of the event, Nana Sam Brew-Butler, a prominent entrepreneur and former football administrator, commended the MCE for the vision and dedication behind the initiative. Recounting a near accident on his way to the event, he said he felt compelled to attend because of his commitment to the development of Cape Coast. He called on residents to rekindle the city’s legacy as a pioneer in Ghana’s history, saying, “With all our achievements, Cape Coast has not lived up to expectation, and the time to act is now.”

The 8-Year Development Plan, spanning 2026 to 2033, provides a structured framework for guiding the city’s growth through clear goals, measurable outcomes, and coordinated action. With renewed resolve and collaboration among leaders, institutions, and citizens, Cape Coast is now poised to reclaim its historic place as Ghana’s true “City of Firsts.”