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The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) opened a two-day Technical Working Group session on August 14, 2025, to validate the National Urban Policy (NUP 2025-2034) and Implementation Plan. This crucial step aims to finalise the policy framework, which will guide Ghana's urban development trajectory. The NUP is designed to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban growth, addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation.
The validation workshop brings together stakeholders from key Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), development partners, and urban governance experts to review and finalise the policy document. The policy's implementation is expected to enhance urban planning, improve service delivery, and foster data-driven decision-making.
By validating the Revised National Urban Policy (NUP), Ghana has taken a decisive step towards advancing its urban development goals. The policy is designed to serve as a comprehensive framework for coordinating urban development efforts across the country, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and inclusive. It will guide the integration of policies, programmes, and investments to create cities and towns that are well-planned, resilient, and economically vibrant.
The NUP also aims to mobilise the necessary resources and strengthen institutional capacity to effectively manage the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanisation. It will support government agencies, local authorities, and development partners in aligning their initiatives with a unified national vision, thereby reducing duplication and enhancing the impact of urban interventions.
With Ghana’s urban population projected to surpass 60% by 2030, the adoption of this policy comes at a critical time. Unchecked urban growth has the potential to strain infrastructure, services, and the environment, but when guided strategically, it can serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, social inclusion, and improved quality of life for all citizens. The NUP provides the tools and principles needed to harness this potential.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Chief Director of the MLGCRA, Amin Abdul-Rahaman, the Director for Local Governance and Decentralisation, Pln. Samuel Seth Passah, underscored the transformative potential of the NUP. He stressed that the policy would not only create a coordinated framework for managing urbanisation but also empower individuals and communities to play an active role in shaping their environments. He reaffirmed that the NUP will be instrumental in ensuring that urbanisation becomes a driver of economic growth, social cohesion, and national development.
The successful validation of the NUP signals a renewed national commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and competitive cities. As the policy moves toward Cabinet approval and implementation, it is poised to transform Ghana’s urban landscape, create equitable opportunities, and improve living standards for current and future generations.
SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah
MLGCRA PR UNIT