26 January 2026, Takoradi, The SDGs Advisory unit of the office of the President, participated in a workshop organised by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), The high-level engagement in Sekondi Takoradi aimed to strengthen infrastructure stewardship and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation at the local level.
The four-day engagement, which took place from 27 to 30 January 2026, focused on improving how public infrastructure was planned, financed, managed, and maintained across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
It formed 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 was the introduction of UN DESA’s Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) approach. The model sought to institutionalise systematic planning and maintenance of public assets, ensuring that infrastructure investments delivered long-term value, efficiency, and improved service delivery.
Chairman of NDPC, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, who is also the Senior Advisor to the President on the SDGs. Emphasised that expanding infrastructure had to be matched with strong institutional discipline and a national maintenance culture. He noted that while government continued to invest in infrastructure under initiatives such as the Big Push, sustainability depended on integrity, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Dr Thompson further underscored that public institutions had to 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 placed local authorities at the centre of SDG delivery. He emphasised that infrastructure provision alone was insufficient without effective asset management systems that protected public investment and ensured 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 underscored Ghana’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure governance, protecting public investments, and accelerating sustainable development outcomes through coordinated action at both national and local levels.
Credit: NDPC Communications team