Ghana's Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced a new initiative allowing private businesses to finance street beautification projects in major cities. The initiative aims to improve urban aesthetics and cleanliness without burdening the central government. Ayariga made the announcement on October 5, 2026, at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House in Accra.
Under the proposed arrangement, businesses that fund beautification projects will be granted the right to have streets and landmarks named after them, as well as advertising space and rights. This partnership is expected to be mutually beneficial, with businesses gaining visibility and brand recognition while ensuring public spaces are kept clean and visually appealing.
The initiative targets major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Sekondi-Takoradi, where many streets and public landmarks have deteriorated due to inadequate funding. The Ministry plans to leverage private sector participation to address this challenge. Ayariga stated that the model will provide businesses with a platform for visibility while maintaining the cultural and historical significance of already named streets and monuments.
The Ministry is developing a policy framework and guidelines to regulate the process, including selection criteria, duration of naming rights, beautification standards, and advertising modalities. Ayariga assured that due diligence and consultations with traditional authorities, local assemblies, and stakeholders will be undertaken before granting naming rights.
The Minister emphasized that the advertising spaces granted under the initiative will be regulated to prevent clutter and maintain city beauty and orderliness. The Ministry will ensure that the initiative does not compromise the cultural and historical significance of existing streets and monuments.
Further details on the initiative, including application procedures for interested businesses, will be announced after cabinet and stakeholder consultations are concluded. The Ministry's goal is to enhance the outlook of major cities while promoting public-private partnerships.
The initiative is part of the Ministry's broader strategy to improve urban aesthetics and cleanliness. By partnering with private businesses, the Ministry aims to address the challenge of inadequate funding for regular maintenance and beautification of public spaces.
Key points
- Private businesses will fund street beautification projects in exchange for advertising rights and naming opportunities.
- The initiative targets major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Sekondi-Takoradi.
- The Ministry will regulate advertising spaces to prevent clutter and maintain city beauty and orderliness.
