The Department of Development Planning is the newest academic department created under the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment. It was created in 2022 with the goal of researching and training students on appropriate technologies and methods to effectively organised the limited land space of humankind by balancing the various land uses to support human development. As a result, the Department prioritises the use of information and communication technology in teaching and learning activities. The goal of the Department is to train independent planners with entrepreneurial skills to set up their firms to support both the public and private sectors with spatial planning services. The Department also prioritises the strict adherence to planning standards and regulations, land use patterns, building codes, environmental sustainability, and professional planning ethics. The mode of course delivery combines both theory and practice to aid the proper understanding of concepts. Students are regularly taken on field trips for practical exercises and experiences in various District Assemblies across the country. We are committed to introducing students to scientific processes in understanding societal problems, gathering spatial and socio-economic data, and analysing such data to help advance the course of human development.
Stakeholders of the Department
The stakeholders of the department include;
- United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- Ministry of Planning
- Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
- Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources
- National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
- Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA)
- Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP)
- Eastern Regional Coordinating Council
- Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies
- New Juaben Municipal Assembly (NJMA)
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Staff and students of the Faculty
The Department of Development Planning has a computer lab, where students are trained and practice the use of Geographical Information System (GIS), AutoCAD, SPSS, Kobo tools, and Data mining and Analytic tools to aid data gathering, analysis and presentation. The Department also has planning studios, where students are taken through cartography lessons.
Programs and Courses:
The Department of Development Planning runs both Bachelor of Technology (BTech) (four years and two-year Top-up) and Higher National Diploma (HND – 3 years) programs.
Requirements for BTech programs:
Prospective applicants applying for the four-year BTech program must have at least a WASSCE certificate with C6 being the least grade. Prospective applicants applying for BTech Two-year Top-up must possess an HND certificate with at least Second-class lower division.
Requirements for HND program:
A prospective applicant may apply with his/her WASSCE certificate with at least D7. Applicants who are 25 years and older with/without their certificates may apply as mature students of which she/he may be required to write a common entrance examination at a fee. Applicants applying as mature students are required to apply with the following; birth certificate, passport picture, O-level certificate, baptismal certificate
Career and Job Prospects
- District Planning Officers
- Spatial Planning Officers
- Planning Consultants
- Monitoring and Evaluation Officers
- Sectoral Planning Officers (Education, Health Planning Officers)
- Development Policy Analysts
- Non-Governmental Organisations
- International Development Organisations