The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to establish designated auto zones to regulate the sale of used vehicles and promote orderly urban development.

Speaking during a strategic stakeholder consultation in the Ashanti Region, Dr Thompson expressed concern over the increasing practice of automobile dealers occupying unplanned spaces across cities, noting that the situation contributes to congestion, environmental degradation and inefficient land use.

He explained that the creation of structured auto zones would help streamline commercial activities, improve regulation and create a more organised environment for both businesses and the public.

According to him, such zones would also enhance job creation by formalising the sector and attracting investment into well-planned commercial hubs.

Dr Thompson reiterated that land remains a limited resource and must be managed strategically, adding that proper spatial planning is essential to ensuring sustainable urban growth and preventing long term development challenges.

On her part, the Director General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) stressed the importance of aligning district, regional and national development plans into a single coordinated framework to ensure effective implementation. She added that development planning must be integrated and responsive, noting that financial inflows are often released in phases, requiring flexibility and strategic decision making in project selection.

She further highlighted that projects must be prioritised based on their impact, urging planners to focus on initiatives that address critical needs and benefit the largest number of people. The Director General also emphasised the importance of completing ongoing projects, noting that many remain near completion but are yet to deliver value to communities. She therefore called for a results oriented approach to planning, stressing that completing such projects will maximise investments, improve livelihoods and strengthen public confidence in development efforts.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Frank Amoakohene, described the engagement as a timely intervention to address growing urban congestion and unregulated commercial activities within the region.

He assured that the Regional Coordinating Council would work closely with assemblies to implement the policy effectively.

He added that creating designated auto zones would contribute to a cleaner, more organised urban environment while promoting sustainable economic activities across the region.

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NDPC PR-UNIT