The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has officially launched Phase I of the Sustainable Cities Project, aimed at addressing the rapid urban expansion and development challenges in northern Ghana.

The project, funded by the European Union with a €14.7 million investment targets six key cities;Tamale, Wa, Damongo, Nalerigu, Bolgatanga, and Yendi.

At the launch event on September 25, 2024, held at Mariam Hotel in Tamale, Hon. Yidana Zakaria, North East Regional Minister, speaking on behalf of Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, emphasized the project’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which calls for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. He noted that the initiative is vital to promoting climate resilience and sustainable urban growth in a region that is rapidly urbanizing but faces critical infrastructure deficits.

The Sustainable Cities Project will focus on key areas such as structured urban planning, climate-smart infrastructure, solid waste management, and improved service delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations. The establishment of an Urban Observatory will further enhance data collection to support evidence-based planning and governance in the cities.

Addressing urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, the project also aims to strengthen local governance, improve transparency, and foster citizen engagement in urban management. This multi-faceted approach is expected to enhance revenue generation, improve living conditions, and build resilience in these urban areas over the project's 58-month timeline.

Hon. Zakaria highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, international partners, and local communities to ensure the project’s success. He expressed gratitude to the European Union for its continued support, underscoring the role of partnerships in achieving sustainable urban development in Ghana.

The Sustainable Cities Project Phase I marks a pivotal moment in northern Ghana's urban transformation, laying the foundation for cities that can meet future challenges while ensuring a better quality of life for their inhabitants.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Following the launch of the Sustainable Cities Project (SCP) Phase I, the inaugural Project Oversight Committee (POC) meeting convened at the Mariam Hotel in Tamale. The meeting, a critical step toward the implementation of the SCP, was chaired by Mr. Divine Ayidzoe, who represented the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) Mr. Amin Abdul Rahaman.

In his address, Mr. Ayidzoe underscored the importance of the POC’s role in ensuring the success of the SCP, a project backed by a €14.7 million grant from the European Union.

Phase I of the project aims to improve urban sustainability in key northern cities;Tamale, Wa, Damongo, Nalerigu, Bolgatanga, and Yendi over the next five years.

"This committee holds a strategic position in steering the project’s direction and success. The decisions we make here today will have far-reaching impacts on urban development and the wellbeing of communities," said Mr. Ayidzoe during the session.

The POC, which consists of representatives from various Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and beneficiary Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), was formed to provide policy direction, monitor project progress, and ensure alignment with broader government programs and policies. Among the committee’s key mandates are the review and approval of annual work plans and budgets, evaluation of project performance, and guidance on critical decisions to ensure the project's coherence and effectiveness.

At the heart of the discussions during the meeting was the approval of the 2024/2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget, essential for setting the project in motion. Additionally, the meeting addressed the development of an Urban Observatory, an innovative tool designed to track critical urban sustainability indicators and monitor the project's long-term impact across the northern cities.

"The success of this project will depend on how well we collaborate, make informed decisions, and adapt to emerging challenges in urban management. Today’s discussions are vital in laying the foundation for sustainable urban development in these regions," Mr. Ayidzoe stressed.

Members of the committee also reviewed preliminary project indicators and provided input into the design of the Urban Observatory, which will serve as a key mechanism for data collection and analysis throughout the project’s lifespan.

The POC members were urged to maintain active engagement and a strong sense of ownership over the project. Their role in providing policy guidance and ensuring compliance with national and international standards was highlighted as a cornerstone of the project’s anticipated success.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Ghana has been commended for its exemplary decentralized governance system and significant strides in rural development, standing out as a model for African nations seeking to enhance local governance. This recognition followed a study tour by a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini, which aimed to draw lessons from Ghana's best practices.

The nine-member delegation, which included two ministers of state and other key officials, embarked on a week-long tour starting September 16, 2024, to explore Ghana’s local government system. The tour was part of Eswatini’s effort to strengthen its governance framework through insights from successful African counterparts.

The delegation expressed admiration for Ghana’s achievements in decentralization, particularly its robust policies aimed at empowering rural communities. Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, leader of the Eswatini delegation, emphasized that the lessons learned in Ghana would play a crucial role in shaping Eswatini’s approach to grassroots governance. Speaking on behalf of the team, Dlamini noted that Ghana’s commitment to decentralization is not only inspiring but also provides a practical blueprint for other African countries to follow.

Addressing the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the delegation lauded the country's achievements and acknowledged the critical role the Ministry has played in driving Ghana’s progress. They praised the Minister's leadership in creating an environment conducive to local governance and rural development, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people.

In response, Hon. Korsah expressed his appreciation for the commendations and underscored the importance of peer learning across African nations. He assured the Eswatini delegation of Ghana’s continued readiness to offer guidance as they work towards establishing a more inclusive and effective local government system in their country.

Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development through decentralization has cemented its status as a leader in local governance. By empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive development, the country continues to serve as a beacon of progress for other nations in Africa.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)