The government of Ghana has announced plans to transform urban neighbourhoods across the country through an Inner City Big Push Initiative. The initiative aims to improve roads, drainage, street lighting, walkways, and green spaces in urban areas. Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, disclosed this at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency. The programme is being developed in collaboration with the Minister for Roads and the Finance Minister.
According to Minister Ayariga, President John Mahama has directed the Ministry to develop a strategy for providing adequate inner-city infrastructure. The initiative will be funded through a reconfigured property rate regime and betterment charges, with additional government support. The objective is to ensure that every neighbourhood in Ghana's cities has paved streets, walkways, adequate drainage, street lighting, and sufficient greenery. This is expected to enhance property values once the infrastructure improvements are completed.
The Inner City Big Push Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Roads, and the Ministry of Finance. Minister Ayariga stated that the full details of the initiative will be announced by President Mahama in due course. The programme aims to improve the living conditions of urban residents and make Ghana's cities more attractive and sustainable.
As part of efforts to improve urban infrastructure, the government has begun assigning streets in major capital cities to private companies. Under this arrangement, companies will assume responsibility for the reconstruction, redevelopment, and maintenance of selected streets. Participating companies may receive naming and advertising rights along the streets they support. This initiative is expected to encourage private sector participation in urban development.
The government has also partnered with the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority and the National Urban Roads Director to oversee the implementation of the initiative. The first report on the initiative is expected from these agencies, after which details of private-sector participation will be submitted for presidential approval. This will ensure that the programme is well-coordinated and effective.
Minister Ayariga emphasized that the Inner City Big Push Initiative is a key priority for the government. The programme is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of urban residents and contribute to Ghana's economic growth. The government is committed to ensuring that the initiative is successful and sustainable in the long term.
The Inner City Big Push Initiative is the latest effort by the government to improve urban infrastructure in Ghana. The programme complements other initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for urban residents. The government is expected to provide more details on the initiative in the coming weeks.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has launched an Inner City Big Push Initiative to improve urban infrastructure, including roads, drainage, and green spaces.
- The initiative will be funded through a reconfigured property rate regime and betterment charges, with additional government support.
- Private companies will be involved in the reconstruction, redevelopment, and maintenance of selected streets in major capital cities.
