Accra: The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has officially launched the National Urban Policy (2026-2035) and the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy (2026-2035). These two policies aim to provide a comprehensive framework for managing Ghana's rapid urbanisation and promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities to improve citizens' quality of life.
According to Ghana News Agency, the frameworks are designed to guide Ghana's urban development agenda by strengthening spatial planning, expanding affordable housing, enhancing climate resilience, improving urban governance, promoting sustainable financing, and harnessing digital technology to support efficient city management. These policies also aim to prevent the growth of slums and improve existing informal settlements through coordinated interventions.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), launched the policy documents on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama during the Ninth Session of the Ghana Urban Forum in Accra. The forum, themed 'Resetting Ghana's Urban Future: Thinking Nationally and Taking Local Actions for Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities,' highlighted the need for deliberate planning to accommodate the increasing pace of urbanisation.
Dr. Thompson noted that Ghana's urban population has grown from about four million in the 1980s to nearly 14 million in 2020, with projections to reach 20.4 million by 2026. While urbanisation has contributed to economic growth and poverty reduction, it has also led to housing shortages, congestion, flooding, sanitation challenges, and environmental degradation, placing pressure on planning and governance.
A review of the 2012 National Urban Policy revealed that approximately 50 percent of its intended outcomes were achieved. Although there were successes in urban safety and spatial planning, the policy fell short in areas like affordable housing delivery and urban financing. Dr. Thompson stressed the need for continuity and sustained commitment in urban development.
The new National Urban Policy builds on the 2012 framework while aligning with the SDGs, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the New Urban Agenda. The policy envisions economically vibrant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and well-governed cities, preserving Ghana's cultural identity and heritage sites as part of urban development.
Dr. Thompson emphasized sustainable financing through stronger local revenue mobilisation and private sector participation. Digitisation is highlighted as a key pillar, with modern urban management requiring digital planning platforms and electronic public service delivery. The government is collaborating with land sector agencies to modernise land administration and increase housing delivery through innovative financing.
Climate resilience remains a priority, with investments in preventive infrastructure and stricter planning regulations. Dr. Thompson concluded by stressing that Ghana's future depends on the quality of its cities and living conditions, calling for collaboration, commitment, and leadership to translate the policies into tangible results nationwide.