Venice:Sekondi-Takoradi The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has been chosen as one of four cities worldwide to participate in the inaugural United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Venice Winter School in Italy.
According to Ghana News Agency, this event will occur from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Venice. Other participating cities include Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, New York City in the USA, and Singapore. The selection was made as part of a competitive global process under the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Local Action Initiative.
The Winter School aims to provide a venue for city leaders, senior local government officials, and practitioners from around the globe to explore practical approaches for enhancing local public service delivery. Sekondi-Takoradi's involvement is justified by its innovative Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Registry, developed through the Open Government Partnership (OGP) framework.
The initiative has positioned Sekondi-Takoradi among African secondary cities that have successfully linked service delivery reform to OGP commitments. The city's approach showcases how data, citizen participation, and institutional reforms can strengthen governance and public service delivery without extensive smart-city technology investments.
Frederick Faustinus Faidoo, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, emphasized that the city's selection highlights its efforts toward sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens under the Resetting Agenda. He expressed gratitude to the team involved in the application process for their dedication.
Mr. Isaac Aidoo, the STMA Coordinator for the UNDP Venice Winter School, noted that this international gathering would enable cities and local governments to learn from each other, explore innovative service delivery methods, and utilize data to better meet residents' needs.
Sekondi-Takoradi's participation is expected to showcase its experience in using open data, participatory governance, and evidence-based planning to enhance WASH service delivery. The Assembly's selection underscores its growing role in global discussions on sustainable urban development and highlights the potential of local governance innovations to inspire cities beyond Ghana.