Ghana Launches New National Urban Policy to Drive Sustainable and Inclusive Cities

A clear vision for how cities grow and function is essential to balancing economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. As Ghana continues to urbanize rapidly, a comprehensive urban policy provides the framework needed to ensure that its cities remain safer, resilient, competitive, and responsive to the needs of present and future generations.

On 28 July 2026, the Government of Ghana officially launched the revised National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan (2026–2035), the country's second national urban policy. Developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Local Government and Religious Affairs, with support from the United Nations in Ghana and development partners, the policy was launched alongside the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy (2026–2035). Together, the two frameworks aim to guide sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and well-planned urban development across Ghana.

The launch took place at the start of the two-day Ninth Session of the Ghana Urban Forum in Accra, where government officials, development partners, urban planning experts, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for strategic investments in urban planning, stronger community participation, and resilient urban development that leaves no one behind. The Forum focuses on strengthening the link between national policy direction and local implementation, with discussions centred on key areas such as spatial planning and land use management, housing and basic services, sustainable human settlement, infrastructure, climate resilience and service delivery.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission and Senior Advisor to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, emphasised that the new policy aligns with Ghana's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Dr. Thompson noted that the policy recognises sustainable urban development as extending beyond physical infrastructure to include the preservation of Ghana's cultural identity and historical heritage. He stressed that as cities expand and modernise, historical sites, cultural landscapes, monuments, and other heritage assets must be protected as symbols of the nation's collective memory and important contributors to social cohesion.

He further observed that this vision complements Ghana's leadership on reparatory justice by preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage and historical memory of African people.

"Our urban transformation agenda must therefore ensure that development projects protect and promote these heritage assets as important drivers of national identity, tourism and local economic development," Dr. Thompson said.

He described this commitment to integrating heritage conservation into urban development as one of the defining strengths of the new policy.

Speaking at the Forum, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting the implementation of the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan. He emphasised that effective urban planning should ultimately improve the everyday lives of people.

"Urban planning will only have meaning if it positively impacts the lives of people," he said, calling for sustained partnerships to translate the policy into tangible improvements in housing, infrastructure, public services, and opportunities for all residents.

The launch of the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan marks a significant milestone in Ghana's urban development journey. As urban populations continue to grow, successful implementation of the policy will require strong collaboration between government, local authorities, communities, the private sector, and development partners to build cities that are inclusive, resilient, prosperous, and sustainable.