Ghana's government has announced plans to assign streets in major cities to private businesses, with the aim of rebuilding, redeveloping, and maintaining the streets. According to Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga, the exercise has begun, with companies such as banks, manufacturers, construction firms, logistics companies, and insurers expected to take responsibility for the streets. In return, they could have the streets renamed after them or share names with existing named personalities, and would get advertising rights along them.
The Minister made the announcements on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at his first Government Accountability Series briefing. He said the first report on the scheme was expected that day from the Chief Executive of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority and the National Urban Roads Director. The participation details are due for President John Dramani Mahama's approval by the following week, after which the scheme will be launched. The Minister said the President has also directed him to develop an Inner City Big Push Initiative.
The Inner City Big Push Initiative aims to deliver paved streets, walkways, drainage, street lighting, and greenery in every city neighbourhood. It will be funded largely by a reconfigured property rate regime and betterment charges, with government support. The President will announce the full details later. According to the Minister, the current property rates system is marked by inefficiencies and corruption, with some money paid ending up "in private pockets."
To address these inefficiencies, the government will introduce a centrally controlled collection mechanism that removes cash payments entirely. Payments will be made only through MTN MoMo and electronic bank transfers. This move aims to increase transparency and accountability in property rate collection. The Minister said the government hopes to create at least 20,000 permanent jobs in waste management and the circular economy.
On sanitation, the Minister said the Finance Minister is awaiting costings for engineered landfill sites in all regional capitals, including three in Greater Accra, and for waste transfer stations in every Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA). Households will eventually fund the investment by paying for waste collection through an automated system. The government plans to increase funding for the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.
The Minister reported that GH¢9.1 billion, covering six quarters of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), has been transferred to MMDAs. He said the government is committed to disbursing not less than 88 per cent of the fund. The Minister also reported progress on various development projects, including the completion of 397 of 566 CHPS compounds and health centres.
The government also plans to review the trial contraflow system for the Ayalolo Bus Rapid Transit buses, which has been deemed a success. A stakeholder meeting is scheduled to review the trials, and the Minister said contraflow "has come to stay" until other mobility options are developed.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government plans to assign city streets to private firms to rebuild, redevelop, and maintain them.
- The government aims to go cashless on property rates, with payments to be made through MTN MoMo and electronic bank transfers.
- Engineered landfill sites will be built in regional capitals, and households will fund waste collection through an automated system.
