A 13-member delegation from the College of Defence Studies, Ghana Armed Forces, visited the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civic Centre today, where they met the Hon’ble Mayor of Delhi, Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh, to gain insights into good practices and governance procedures of one of India’s largest civic bodies.
The visit aimed to understand key strategies and operational models that can be adapted and replicated in Ghana to strengthen urban governance and civic management. Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee Sunder Singh, Commissioner MCD Ashwini Kumar, and other senior officials were present during the interaction.
Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh expressed his delight at hosting the team and said, “It is indeed an honour to have you in India as part of your studies. India and Ghana share a strong tradition of democracy, an aspiration for development, and a spirit of mutual cooperation. Governance is not only about policy and law; it rests on accountability, transparency, and participation.”
Mayor Singh further added, “This interaction will strengthen the bond of friendship and collaboration between our two countries. I hope you will carry back fresh ideas and new inspirations. When you take up leadership roles in the future, the experiences gathered here will help you make policies more humane and effective.”
The Mayor presented an overview of MCD’s civic operations, focusing on town planning, the Master Plan of Delhi, online building plan sanctions, and solid waste management in one of the world’s most densely populated urban regions. He highlighted MCD’s commitment to delivering top-tier civic amenities through innovation, efficiency, and community engagement.
Senior MCD officials briefed the delegation on town planning, the Master Plan of Delhi, and online building plan sanctions. Furthermore, officials also explained a detailed overview of solid waste management including waste generation, primary and secondary segregation, transportation, and final disposal mechanisms, as well as the unique challenges faced by Delhi as a landlocked megacity in managing urban waste.
The visit concluded with an exchange reaffirming the shared commitment of India and Ghana to strengthen ties through knowledge exchange and mutual learning.
