A high-level validation workshop to review and finalise the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for Ghana’s revised National Urban Policy has been held in Accra on the 29^th July, 2025.

The workshop, convened by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs under the Green Cities Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP), brought together representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, and urban governance experts. The initiative is supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Delivering the opening remarks, PLN. Samuel Seth Passah, Director for Local Governance and Decentralisation at the Ministry, said the event marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s effort to strengthen urban policy implementation.

“This framework is not just a reporting tool. It is an accountability mechanism and a guide for data-driven decisions that improve how our cities grow and serve their people,” he stated.

Developed as part of Workstream 3A of the GCIEP, the M&E Framework outlines structured indicators, baselines, and target outcomes aligned with the National Urban Policy’s core objectives. It is designed to track inputs, activities, outputs, and long-term outcomes, ensuring a results-based approach to urban planning and governance.

In addition to the M&E Framework, a draft Capacity Needs Assessment Report was also shared. The report identifies institutional gaps in staffing, logistics, technical capabilities, and coordination mechanisms across urban governance actors.

A key aspect of the revised Policy is the planned development of an Urban Observatory to support continuous monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting. The Observatory is expected to strengthen institutional accountability and provide timely data for informed decision-making.

Participants were encouraged to provide constructive feedback to refine the framework and ensure its operational feasibility across all levels of government.

The Ministry acknowledged the support of the FCDO and the GCIEP team and reiterated its commitment to implementing the framework in ways that advance inclusive, climate-resilient, and economically vibrant cities across Ghana.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)

Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to Ghana’s agro-industrial development by participating in the National Agribusiness Dialogue 2025 held in Accra.

The high-level forum, organised by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in collaboration with Agri-Impact Limited and development partners, was held under the theme “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth.” It brought together over 250 stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, academia, and development institutions.

The Dialogue was officially opened by the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, who delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the need to reverse Ghana’s over-reliance on food imports—currently valued at over $2 billion annually by promoting local production, agro-processing, and exports. He described the Dialogue as a strategic platform to shape policies and investment frameworks for a competitive agribusiness sector.

Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah’s participation highlighted the essential role of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in supporting the localisation of agribusiness policies through decentralised development structures. Her presence underscored the Ministry’s role in facilitating grassroots adoption of national strategies aimed at food security, rural transformation, and inclusive industrial growth.

The event featured plenaries, thematic breakout sessions, and fireside chats focused on key areas such as agricultural financing, value chain development, environmental sustainability, policy coherence, and inclusive participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Outcomes from the Dialogue are expected to feed into the development and implementation of the forthcoming National Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Policy (NAAP), aimed at accelerating Ghana’s transition to a resilient, inclusive, and self-sustaining agribusiness economy.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

As part of Ghana's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Week celebrations, key players in the have organised a special event aimed at solving one of Ghana’s biggest challenges – access to clean and safe water.

The event, themed, “Expanding Access through Innovation: Israeli Water-Tech for Ghana’s WASH Sector,” was organized by the Economic and Trade Mission of Israel to Ghana, in partnership with CONIWAS and with support from the Israel Export Institute.

The gathering focused on practical, proven solutions to improve WASH outcomes across Ghana. Five Israeli companies presented field-tested water technologies that have already made a difference elsewhere and could help address Ghana’s water needs.

Speakers at the event emphasized the power of collaboration, stressing that real change happens when governments, NGOs, communities, and the private sector work together.

Israel is known worldwide for turning water scarcity into water security using innovation and resilience. By combining this expertise with Ghana’s local insight and commitment, organizers believe the two countries can move closer to achieving safe, reliable water access for all

The event ended on a hopeful note, with calls to build strong partnerships that lead to real, lasting change in Ghana’s WASH sector.

Background

The WASH Project in Ghana focuses on improving access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices to support public health and development. Many communities still struggle with water and sanitation challenges, but efforts from the government, NGOs, and partners like Israel are helping to change this. Through initiatives like Ghana WASH Week, practical and innovative solutions such as Israeli water technology are being introduced to ensure safe and sustainable water access for all.