The European Union (EU) and the Government of France are scaling up their efforts to address urban development and climate resilience challenges in Northern Ghana through an expanded support package under the Sustainable Cities Project.
A high-level mission to Tamale brought together the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly; the French Ambassador, Jules-Armand Aniambossou; the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John; and Dr. Pamela Adofo Ansong from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The visit focused on strengthening collaboration with local authorities and communities to improve urban infrastructure and services.
The Sustainable Cities Project, currently underway in Tamale, Wa, Yendi, Damongo, Bolgatanga, and Nalerigu, is supported with €15 million in funding from the EU and implemented by Expertise France. The project is improving urban planning, sanitation, flood control, and green public spaces, while supporting the creation of Urban Observatories to guide evidence-based city management.
The delegation visited communities in Lamakara, Buipela, Nalung, and Tutingli to engage with residents and assess needs on the ground. Flooding, heatwaves, and poor sanitation were highlighted as urgent issues affecting health, safety, and livelihoods.
In response, the EU and France announced plans for an expanded €55.5 million intervention, which will deliver faecal sludge treatment plants, individual household toilets, and improved waste systems across the six cities. Plans are also underway to improve water access in Tamale, Wa, and Damongo, with new support from partners including Denmark and the Netherlands.
“The challenges in our cities are real, but so is our determination to solve them together,” said Hon. Ali Adolf John, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim. “This partnership gives us the tools and confidence to plan and build cities that are healthier, safer, and more resilient.”
The enhanced project is expected to be launched later this year and will run through 2028.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)