HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-07-060 - FCM International Partnership - Kumasi, Ghanai
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REPORT
Report To: Mayor Carl Zehr and Members of Council
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s~ Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
November 26, 2007
Carla Ladd, CAO
Carla Ladd, CAO
November 22, 2007
CAO-07-060
Subject: FCM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP - KUMASI, GHANA
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approve the development of a formal partnership between the City of Kitchener
and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana to commence in January of 2008 and continue
until 2010, it being understood that the details of the partnership shall be outlined in a formal
Protocol Agreement to be submitted to and approved by Council.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 8, 2006 Council supported the development of a new partnership with Kumasi, Ghana
through the FCM International Partnership Program. Council's approval in principle required
`the details of the partnership to come forward to Council in the form of an agreement', once
developed. While an agreement has not yet been finalized, the exploratory mission has been
completed and the framework for the project, together with a draft protocol, has been
developed. We are seeking Council's formal approval of the partnership at this time in the event
mission planning and execution precede the formal signing of the protocol.
REPORT:
The first mission to Ghana occurred on October 22 -November 1, 2007. The purpose of the
mission was to discuss areas of professional and technical support between Kitchener and
Kumasi and to determine the specific project which would be subject to the three year
partnership. At the outset, Kumasi identified four broad areas of interest:
Economic Development (primary}
Planning
Capacity building for City Officials both in regards to planning and management
Strengthening local governance
Discussions occurred between Kumasi and Kitchener, facilitated by representatives from both
FCM and NALAG National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana), to assist in project
identification, development of project goals and a realistic workplan. The outcome of these
discussions was a project focusing on strengthening local governance.
Project Description
Ghana is in the midst of a decentralization program to allow for devolution of power from the
Central Government to the municipal level. The intent is to make it possible for citizens to
participate in the local decision-making process. While the basic municipal council structure is
in place, the operationalization in the 10sub-metropolitan areas has proven to be complex and
staff and Councillors lack the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively implement the
program. As result, community participation and support for municipal activities has been low.
Kumasi has therefore identified a need to build capacity at both the staff and Council level to
strengthen the local government system.
In order to assist Kumasi in establishing effective sub-metro governance, a strategic planning
process will be undertaken for one sub-metro area on a pilot basis to develop a strategic
operations plan that will clarify the roles of staff and Council, engage the public in identifying
community priorities and determine resources necessary to support their work. The partnership
will also include training in the areas of community participation, strategic planning, leadership,
and technical skills as required. Finally, the strategic planning and training processes will be
documented and formalized in manuals, so that the processes can be passed to other sub-
metro areas increasing the capacity of municipal officials and Councillors across the City.
We are looking forward to an extremely productive partnership. The skills and expertise in the
City of Kitchener are well suited for the project which has been identified and the interest and
level of commitment of the Kumasi staff and Council will undoubtedly lead to great success.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Funding for the program is provided by FCM/CIDA which covers all direct costs related to travel,
accommodation and living expenses. Support from the City is provided by way of providing staff
time.
COMMUNICATIONS:
None at this time.
Carla Ladd, CAO