Sunyani: The Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) has officially launched its 53rd Annual Conference, emphasizing the critical need for sustainable and integrated city planning. The event also included the Institute's General Meeting, where key office bearers were re-elected. According to Ghana News Agency, the conference, set for November 21-22, 2023, in Sunyani, will explore the theme "The Nexus between Integrated Planning and Ghana's Decentralized Development: prospects, challenges, and the way forward". Mr Percy Anaab Bukari, President of the GIP, highlighted the importance of enhancing public education on the relevance of sustainable city planning during his address at the launch ceremony. Mr Bukari stressed the GIP's vital role in fostering a sustainable society and spurring national development. He urged members to commit to eradicating the haphazard construction of buildings and structures, which poses significant challenges to urban planning. The President also outlined the activities planned for the conference, which include the induction of new GIP members and visits to local tourist attractions. In addition to the conference details, the GIP announced the re-election of its office bearers for the Sunyani Zone during the General Meeting held as part of the launch. Mr James Eta-Era will continue as Chairman, with Mr Adjei Asare Baffour Senior serving as Vice Chairman. Mrs Gifty Nyarko was re-elected as Secretary, and Anthonia Ayamga as Organizer.