The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has raised urgent concerns over the country’s accelerating urbanisation, with projections showing that 70 per cent of the population will live in urban areas by 2050.

Currently, 57 per cent of Ghanaians reside in cities, leading to significant pressure on essential infrastructure and services.

Speaking at the Urban Observation Indicator Validation Workshop in Accra on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, the Ministry, in collaboration with the European Union and Expertise France, discussed the establishment of the Urban Observatory (UO) as part of the EU-Sustainable Cities Project.

The UO aims to address the growing challenges posed by rapid urban expansion.

Divine Yao Ayidzoe, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information at the Ministry, highlighted the need for the observatory to bolster data collection and support evidence-based urban planning.

"The current rate of urbanisation places severe pressure on infrastructure and the provision of basic services in cities and towns, resulting in limited access to key urban services such as water supply, sanitation, and waste management," Mr. Ayidzoe noted.

He also warned of the broader risks associated with unchecked urban growth, stressing the potential impact on public health, inequality, and social stability.

“Urban infrastructure and services deficits create public health hazards, environmental degradation, and climate vulnerability.

“These issues fuel inequality, slow down economic progress, and heighten the risk of social tension, instability, and migration,” he explained.

Mr. Ayidzoe emphasised the importance of using accurate data to manage the country’s urbanisation effectively.

"Improved data on existing levels of services will greatly contribute to evidence-based planning and decision-making," he added, underscoring the need for proactive measures to ensure sustainable urban development.