As Ghana advances its infrastructure expansion efforts under its national development agenda, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), has begun a high-level engagement in Sekondi Takoradi to strengthen infrastructure stewardship and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation at the local level.
Chairman of NDPC,.Dr. Nii Moi Thompson
The four-day engagement, taking place from 27 to 30 January 2026, focuses on improving how public infrastructure is planned, financed, managed and maintained across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
It forms part of broader efforts to reinforce linkages between national planning frameworks and sub-national implementation, while strengthening coherence between Ghana’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and emerging Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).
A central feature of the collaboration is the introduction of UN DESA’s Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) approach. The model seeks to institutionalise systematic planning and maintenance of public assets, ensuring that infrastructure investments deliver long-term value, efficiency and improved service delivery.
Chairman of NDPC, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, emphasised that expanding infrastructure must be matched with strong institutional discipline and a national maintenance culture. He noted that while government continues to invest in infrastructure under initiatives such as the Big Push, sustainability depends on integrity, efficiency and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Dr Thompson further underscored that public institutions must lead by example, demonstrating credibility and accountability in their own systems and practices.
He linked the initiative to the Good Society Campaign under Ghana’s 40-Year National Development Plan, highlighting principles such as respect for law and order, resource stewardship, integrity and lifelong learning as foundational to sustaining infrastructure and improving human settlements.
Welcoming participants, the Mayor of the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Fredrick F. Faidoo, reaffirmed the importance of translating the SDGs into practical investments and measurable outcomes at the local level.
He stressed the need for stronger coordination between national and local reporting processes, improved data systems, and enhanced capacity of MMDAs to manage and maintain public assets effectively.
Representing the Local Government Service, Chief Development Planning Officer Mr Collins Ohene Gyan noted that decentralisation places local authorities at the centre of SDG delivery. He emphasised that infrastructure provision alone is insufficient without effective asset management systems that protect public investment and ensure sustained service delivery, particularly in advancing resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities and responsible consumption and production.
On behalf of the United Nations system, Mr Martino Miraglia of UN-Habitat highlighted the critical role of cities and local governments in driving SDG progress through effective multi-level governance. He commended Ghana’s progress in integrating the SDGs into planning and monitoring systems and reaffirmed the importance of partnership in translating global commitments into tangible local impact. He also acknowledged the support of the Governments of Italy and Norway in advancing SDG localisation efforts.
The engagement underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure governance, protecting public investments, and accelerating sustainable development outcomes through coordinated action at both national and local levels.
