The Ministry of Works and Housing has outlined Ghana’s forward-looking approach to urban development, showcasing a series of innovative initiatives that emphasize local engagement in the nation’s development strategy.
Speaking at the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo on November 5, 2024, the sector Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, highlighted the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme as a key initiative within this strategy.
Supported by UN-Habitat, the programme focuses on advancing Agenda 2030 by enhancing data collection and analysis, while providing incentives for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) certification at the local level.
“This program ensures that our urban centres are not only hubs of economic activity but also engines of sustainable growth,” Oppong Nkrumah explained, reinforcing the program’s commitment to resilient, data-driven urban planning.
The minister also highlighted other significant projects aligned with Ghana’s urban development goals. These include the Greater Accra Resilience and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, the European Union Sustainable Cities Project, the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), and the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) Project. Each project, he noted, is instrumental in transforming Ghana’s urban landscapes into sustainable, resilient, and economically inclusive spaces.
In a major announcement, Oppong Nkrumah introduced the new Districts Housing Program, an ambitious initiative focused on green housing and infrastructure investments in Ghana’s rural districts. The program aims to reduce rural-to-urban migration by improving living conditions and economic prospects in rural areas.
“This initiative is crafted to meet the housing needs of our districts while advancing our green development agenda,” he stated, underscoring the program’s potential to ease urban pressures by fostering sustainable rural communities.
Head of Civil Service in Ghana, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, launched Ghana’s side event, under the theme, “Pursuing the Urban Agenda: The Successes and Challenges.”
Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh discussed Ghana’s strategic efforts to build inclusive, sustainable cities while addressing the complex challenges of rapid urbanization. He emphasized that Ghana’s urban agenda is a collaborative endeavour that requires strong partnerships, improved local governance, and innovative solutions to ensure inclusive growth.
“Ghana understands that realizing our vision for urban areas is a shared responsibility,” Aggrey-Darkoh remarked, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic inequalities, strengthening infrastructure, and building resilient institutions. He noted that Ghana’s urban future relies on collective actions that empower communities, stimulate economic growth, and ensure inclusivity for all.
