Ghana's Urban Boom Needs $37 Billion a Year, World Bank Warns
Ghana requires an estimated US$37 billion annually to address its infrastructure deficit and support sustainable urbanisation, the World Bank has said. The World Bank made this statement at the ninth Ghana Urban Forum in Accra, where the government launched the National Urban Policy.
Urbanisation Crisis Looms Over Ghana
Ghana has become one of the most urbanised countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 57 percent of its population living in cities and towns. The urban population is projected to more than double by 2050. Madhu Raghunath, Urban Resilience and Land Practice Manager at the World Bank, said this at the Ghana Urban Forum.
The World Bank has identified flooding, inadequate housing, poor waste management, and traffic congestion as major urban challenges requiring urgent attention. In Accra alone, flood risk to assets is estimated to exceed US$20m a year in average annual losses. The number of people living in slums has increased from 5.5 million in 2017 to 8.8 million in 2020.
Infrastructure Gap Worsens
Ghana's Infrastructure Plan (2019) estimates a staggering US$37 billion is needed annually to build the infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves quality of life by 2047. Madhu Raghunath called for integrated investment in transport, power, waste management, and housing infrastructure to support urban development and job creation. The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, said the National Urban Policy is designed to improve living conditions in informal settlements while preventing the emergence of new slums.
Path to Sustainable Urbanisation
Ms Raghunath commended the National Urban Policy for its ambition to promote inclusive urban development, affordable housing, improved mobility, climate resilience, and stronger citizen participation in local governance. She urged the government to strengthen public-private partnerships, municipal financing, and local institutions to improve urban planning and service delivery. The success of the policy will depend on effective implementation, the Minister said.
Ghana's rapid urban growth poses significant challenges to the country's infrastructure and economy. To address these challenges, the World Bank has called for urgent investment in infrastructure, stronger local institutions, and effective implementation of the National Urban Policy. The future of Ghana's urbanisation depends on the success of this policy.
Source: Joy Online
