Ghana took the global spotlight at the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, where Honourable Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ghana’s Minister for Works and Housing, delivered an address on November 5, 2024. In his statement, he highlighted Ghana's progressive approach to urban development, anchored by a series of innovative initiatives that underscore local action in the country’s development agenda.

Honourable Nkrumah pointed to the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme as a flagship initiative within this framework. Funded by UN-Habitat, the program seeks to bolster the implementation of Agenda 2030 by focusing on data collection and analysis, while offering incentives for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) certification at the local level. “This program ensures that our urban centers are not just places of economic activity but hubs of sustainable growth,” Nkrumah stated, underscoring the program’s vision for resilient, data-driven urban planning.

The minister further cited several other ongoing projects that align with Ghana’s urban development goals. Notable among these are 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 of these projects, he noted, plays a critical role in transforming Ghana’s urban landscapes into sustainable, resilient, and economically inclusive environments.

In a major announcement, Nkrumah revealed the recent launch of a Districts Housing Program, an ambitious initiative aimed at investing in green housing and accompanying infrastructure in Ghana's rural districts. The program seeks to curb the ongoing trend of rural-to-urban migration by improving living conditions and economic opportunities in rural areas. “This initiative is designed to meet the housing needs of our districts while supporting the national agenda for green development,” he added, emphasizing the program’s potential to alleviate urban pressures by nurturing sustainable communities across the country.

In a related event on November 6, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Ghana’s Head of Civil Service, inaugurated Ghana’s side event with the theme: Pursuing the Urban Agenda: The Successes and Challenges. Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh outlined Ghana’s strategic efforts to create inclusive, sustainable cities while tackling the multifaceted challenges brought about by rapid urbanization. He acknowledged that Ghana’s urban agenda is a collaborative journey that requires robust partnerships, local governance enhancement, and innovative solutions to ensure inclusive growth.

“Ghana recognizes that achieving our vision for urban areas is a shared responsibility,” Aggrey-Darkoh remarked, emphasizing the need to address systemic inequalities, enhance infrastructure, and build resilient institutions. He highlighted that Ghana’s urban future depends on collective actions that strengthen communities, drive economic growth, and ensure that no one is left behind.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

 Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, has officially commissioned state-of-the-art market facilities in Techiman South and Nkoranza South Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies.

 These projects, are being implemented under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP) through a $245 million World Bank facility, aimed to boost local economies and provide essential services to market users.

 Techiman South Metropolitan Assembly: Nana Abena Market

The newly completed Nana Abena Market in Techiman now features an array of facilities designed to serve both vendors and the broader community.

The Highlights of the project include; 122 lockable stores and 68 market stalls to accommodate diverse commercial activities.

Key service structures, including an administration block, creche, restaurant, and dedicated meat shop.

Critical safety and health infrastructure, with a new fire post, police post, and health post on site.

Enhanced sanitation through modern washrooms and an integrated drainage system, comprising 300 meters of 0.9-meter U-drain, 710 meters of 0.6-meter U-drain, and 900 meters of internal drainage.

Additional improvements include a 100-meter road junction upgrade, 1,900 square meters of paved walkways, perimeter fencing for security, and 28 streetlights to ensure safety and accessibility throughout the market area.

Nkoranza Municipal Assembly: Nkoranza New Market and Community Enhancements

In Nkoranza, the development features a two-storey block with 50 lockable stores and 100 market stalls, designed to expand local commerce. Other key facilities include:

Police and health posts to ensure a safe trading environment.

A 6-seater WC facility, along with two mechanized boreholes for consistent water supply.

A two-unit creche with an office to support families using the market.

 Strengthening Local Economies through Modern Infrastructure

Speaking at the commissioning, Hon. Korsah emphasized the transformative impact of these facilities. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to creating vibrant, resilient communities. By modernizing our markets and improving infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and supporting local livelihoods.”

He encouraged municipal authorities to maintain these facilities and ensure they continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve. The projects reflect the Ministry’s dedication to sustainable urban development in partnership with the World Bank and local stakeholders, bolstering economic resilience in Ghana’s secondary cities.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann and Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

At the GrEEn Project close-out event in Accra, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman in a speech read on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, addressed an audience on the achievements of a project that has transformed communities across the Ashanti and Western Regions. The GrEEn Project, funded by the European Union and led by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), has provided job opportunities, supported sustainable infrastructure, and equipped thousands with skills in climate-sensitive development.

The GrEEn Project began with a goal to reduce irregular migration by providing sustainable, green jobs and strengthening local economies. Launched to address economic challenges and build climate resilience, the project targeted young people, women, and returning migrants. By engaging Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) as key project partners, GrEEn worked directly within communities to address their unique needs and potential.

“Through this project, we’ve built something valuable—jobs and skills that communities can use to grow their local economies and be better prepared for climate challenges,” Mr. Abdul-Rahaman said. “This is the foundation of Ghana Beyond Aid.”

With over 2,300 jobs created, GrEEn trained more than 800 government officials in planning for climate-sensitive development. These officials now bring a sustainability perspective to local planning, a practice that helps their communities prepare for and mitigate climate impacts. Local government staff were also trained to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing financial education, digital tools, and formal business practices for local entrepreneurs, many of whom are women.

The Head of Ghana’s Local Government Service, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, commended the project for aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and Ghana’s long-term commitment to self-sustaining economic growth. “GrEEn has shown us that with the right partnerships and tools, we can build our local economies and create jobs right here in Ghana,” he said.

At the close of the event, Mr. Abdul-Rahaman appealed for further support to continue the GrEEn Project’s work, including expanding its benefits to new regions. By focusing on local communities and sustainable practices, the GrEEn Project has laid the groundwork for a greener, more resilient Ghana—one that grows opportunities for its people close to home. Give a new headline for this news story. very very straight to the point and let it be relevant to the content of the news story. The project has wrapped up, successes highlighted, calls for a new phase. produce only the headline

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann, Stephanie Edem Klutsey and Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)