Building Green Cities:Building green cities is not simply about planting more trees. It requires a deliberate transformation of how cities generate energy, manage waste, finance infrastructure, move people and protect natural resources.

That was the consensus among policymakers, sustainability experts and development partners during a high-level dialogue on green urban development, where participants stressed that Ghana must move beyond policy ambitions to practical, bankable projects capable of attracting long-term investment.

They argued that while Ghana has developed several policies on climate action, energy transition and urban development, implementation remains slow because of inadequate planning, fragmented institutional coordination and limited financing.

Waste segregation & circular economy
Senior Sustainability Officer at the Jospong Green Transitions Office, Dr. Gloria Boamah Kusi, said efficient waste segregation at source remains the foundation of any successful circular economy.

Speaking at a two-day seminar on the National Urban Policy 2026-2035 & National Slum Upgrading and Preservation Strategy 2026-2035, Dr. Boamah Kusi said building green cities is an arduous task.
According to her, waste should no longer be viewed merely as refuse but as a valuable resource capable of generating new products, renewable energy and employment when properly managed.
“If we want to harness the value of waste, we must embrace segregation at the point of generation,” she said.

She explained that separating waste at source significantly improves material recovery, making recycling and compost production more efficient.

She said efficient collection systems should feed Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where recyclable materials can be recovered while organic waste is converted into compost for agricultural use.
Beyond waste recovery, she noted that truly green cities must integrate renewable energy, sustainable transport systems, climate-responsive infrastructure and adequate green spaces to reduce carbon emissions and improve urban resilience.

Green cities require integrated planning
Project Manager for Energy Transition and Green Infrastructure at the French Development Agency (AFD) for Ghana and Liberia, Doris Edem Agbevivi, said waste management, transport and energy are interconnected sectors that must be planned together if cities are to become environmentally sustainable.

She observed that although Ghana has made progress, waste management remains largely linear, with much of the waste collected ending up at disposal sites instead of being recovered for economic value .

“When we simply collect waste and dump it, we have not achieved much,” she said.

She noted that apart from initiatives being undertaken by the Jospong Group, many waste collection systems still operate without resource recovery as their primary objective.

Mrs. Agbevivi questioned the sustainability of the country’s transition to electric mobility if supporting infrastructure is not equally green.

“If we are using electric vehicles, what powers the charging systems? Where will the batteries be recycled?” she asked,

stressing that every aspect of the green transition must be considered holistically.
She pointed out that even communities that appear environmentally friendly, such as Aburi, still face challenges with waste recycling, demonstrating that green cities require more than aesthetics.

The Yale University Climate Fellow said financing remains one of the biggest barriers to sustainable urban development.
According to her, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) provide catalytic, patient capital, but only where governments can present credible, well-developed investment plans.

“We do not need plans that simply end as feasibility studies. We need plans that generate implementable projects,” she said.

She explained that development partners consistently look for measurable milestones, clear implementation strategies and bankable projects before committing financial support.

Waste management & climate returns
Representing the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ing. Godfred Fiifi Boadi Esq. observed that countries around the world are pursuing green city agendas, although implementation often differs because of local realities.

He noted that Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework already recognises waste management, transport and energy as critical components of national climate action.

However, he argued that investment priorities need to shift.
According to him, comparatively smaller investments in waste management can deliver greater environmental and economic returns than significantly larger investments in other sectors.

“If we evaluate projects based on total life-cycle costs, waste management becomes one of the smartest investments a country can make,” he said.

He explained that countries often focus only on the initial cost of infrastructure while ignoring recurring operational and maintenance costs throughout the asset’s lifetime.

He also advocated the effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), under which manufacturers contribute to the cost of collecting, recycling and safely disposing of products after consumer use.

Instead of shifting the financial burden to taxpayers and local assemblies, producers should take greater responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, he said.
Improved Policy Implementation
Deputy Director for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Raymond Ohene Ofori, said Ghana already possesses several policy frameworks capable of supporting green city development.

According to him, what is required now is effective implementation supported by sustainable financing mechanisms.
He disclosed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now hosts Ghana’s Carbon Market Office, creating opportunities for climate finance to support green projects.

“If there is a clear strategy, institutions can help mobilise the necessary resources for implementation,” says Ofori, who is also a professional Planner.

He explained that existing national strategies already guide sustainable transport, renewable energy, circular waste management and protection of wetlands and marine ecosystems.

He stressed that the concept of green cities extends far beyond tree planting and encompasses cleaner transport systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, responsible waste management and sustainable urban planning.

Greater institutional coordination needed
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, called for stronger collaboration among government ministries and agencies responsible for urban development.

He observed that local assemblies alone cannot deliver green cities because responsibilities relating to roads, housing, transport and sanitation are spread across multiple ministries.

According to him, achieving sustainable urban development requires coordinated planning and implementation rather than isolated interventions.

He noted that many Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives are often compelled to undertake projects outside their statutory mandates because of institutional overlaps and service delivery gaps.

Turning vision into reality

The discussion concluded with a shared message: Ghana possesses the policy frameworks, technical expertise and growing private sector capacity needed to build green cities.

What remains is the political commitment to integrate planning across sectors, mobilise innovative financing, strengthen public-private partnerships and accelerate investment in circular waste management, renewable energy and sustainable transport.

For many participants, waste represents one of the country’s greatest untapped resources.

Rather than viewing it as an environmental burden, they argued, Ghana should treat waste as a valuable economic asset capable of generating jobs, clean energy, compost, recycled materials and significant climate benefits.

Only through such an integrated approach, they said, can Ghana build truly green, resilient and inclusive cities for future generations.

By Adade Gyamfi

The Women’s Commission of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) at the African University of Communication and Business (AUCB) has strongly condemned remarks allegedly made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against senior government official Nana Yaa Jantuah, describing the comments as derogatory, disrespectful, and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Women’s Commissioner Jessica Quartey and Deputy Women’s Commissioner Patience Ahedor, the commission expressed concern over comments reportedly made by Afenyo-Markin following the “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, during which Nana Yaa Jantuah received a petition on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the commission, referring to Nana Yaa Jantuah as “a nobody” and suggesting that she was unfit to receive the petition was unbecoming of a national leader and undermined the dignity of a public servant who was lawfully performing an official responsibility assigned by the President.

The commission argued that beyond the personal attack on Nana Yaa Jantuah, the remarks also diminished the dignity of women serving in public office and conveyed the unfortunate message that women in positions of responsibility are less deserving of respect and recognition.

It stated that the comments were particularly troubling because they have wider implications for women’s participation in leadership, warning that such statements could discourage capable women from accepting public leadership roles and reinforce long-standing stereotypes that have hindered women’s advancement.

The Women’s Commission also pointed to what it described as the irony of the remarks being made during a demonstration centred on the theme “Democracy Is Under Attack.”

According to the statement, democracy is not only about the freedom to demonstrate or present petitions but also about respecting the dignity of individuals entrusted with public responsibilities. It said language that belittles a woman carrying out an official assignment contradicts the values of mutual respect, inclusion, and civility that are essential to a healthy democratic society.

The commission further stressed that Nana Yaa Jantuah represented the Office of the President while receiving the petition and that any disrespect directed at her in the performance of that assignment also undermined the dignity of the institution she represented and the professionalism expected within Ghana’s public service.

While reaffirming its respect for the constitutional right of political parties and citizens to organise demonstrations and present petitions, the commission maintained that those rights should always be exercised with civility, decency, and respect for others.

It stated that political disagreements should never descend into personal attacks or language that demeans women serving their country.

The Women’s Commission therefore called on Alexander Afenyo-Markin to retract the alleged remarks and issue an unreserved apology to Nana Yaa Jantuah as well as women serving in Ghana’s democratic and public service institutions.

It said such an apology would demonstrate a commitment to respectful political engagement and reaffirm the importance of treating women in leadership with dignity and respect.

The commission also urged political leaders across all parties to exercise restraint in their public statements and promote a political culture built on respect, tolerance, and constructive engagement.

Reaffirming its commitment to women’s empowerment, the Women’s Commission of TEIN AUCB said it would continue to speak against conduct or rhetoric that undermines the dignity, contributions, and rightful place of women in Ghana’s democratic and governance processes.

The National Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Charles Dwamena, has attributed the party’s remarkable financial progress to the dedication and commitment of constituency executives across the country, revealing that monthly membership dues have grown from less than GH¢100 to more than GH¢30,000 during the current administration.

Dr Dwamena made the remarks as part of a nationwide appreciation tour aimed at recognising constituency executives for their support to the National Treasury between 2022 and 2026. During the tour, executives received citations in honour of their contributions to strengthening the party’s financial management and organisational development.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the National Treasurer and his delegation continued the exercise in the Eastern Region, where executives from several constituencies were honoured for their service.

The day’s activities began at Bunso (Cocoa College), where constituency executives from Abuakwa North, Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa North received citations of appreciation for their commitment to the party.

The delegation later proceeded to the NPP Party Office in Anyinam, where executives from Atiwa East, Atiwa West and Fanteakwa South were also recognised for their dedication and support to the National Treasury.

The appreciation tour then continued to Nkawkaw, where party executives representing Abirem, Nkawkaw, Mpraeso and Abetifi were honoured for the roles they played in advancing the party’s financial and organisational objectives.

The final stop of the day was at Oda Presby Church, where constituency executives from Akim Oda, Asene Manso Akroso, Akim Swedru, Achiase and Ofoase Ayirebi were presented with citations in recognition of their contributions.

In the citation presented to the executives, NPP Treasurer Dr Charles Dwamena expressed profound appreciation for their unwavering support, valuable suggestions and commitment, describing them as key partners in the achievements recorded by the National Treasury over the past four years.

He noted that the collective efforts of constituency executives helped restore financial discipline within the party while promoting transparency, accountability and prudent financial management. According to him, these reforms also led to a significant increase in the party’s internally generated revenue.

Dr Dwamena highlighted the dramatic rise in monthly membership dues—from less than GH¢100 before the current administration assumed office to over GH¢30,000—as one of the Treasury’s most significant accomplishments, stressing that the achievement would not have been possible without the cooperation of party executives nationwide.

“You are an integral part of this success story, and I am truly grateful for your support,” he stated in the citation.

He further commended the executives for their constructive feedback and candid opinions, saying their contributions had positively influenced the operations of the National Treasury and strengthened the New Patriotic Party as a whole.

Dr Charles Dwamena concluded by thanking all constituency executives for their loyalty, hard work and unwavering commitment to the NPP, expressing confidence that their continued collaboration would further strengthen the party’s financial position and organisational capacity as it prepares for future political activities.

Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has strongly criticised Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over comments he made during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, describing his remarks as disrespectful and announcing plans to petition Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.

The disagreement arose on Thursday, August 6, when the NPP leadership marched to the Presidency to present a petition. Nana Yaa Jantuah had been assigned to receive the petition on behalf of the government.

During the presentation, Afenyo-Markin questioned the decision to have Nana Yaa Jantuah receive the document, arguing that it did not reflect the significance of the concerns the opposition intended to raise with the Presidency.

The Minority Leader reportedly referred to her as “a nobody,” claiming that the NPP had sent its highest-ranking officials to present the petition as a mark of respect for the Presidency and expected a senior government official to receive it.

Speaking later in an interview on Asempa FM, Nana Yaa Jantuah did not hide her disappointment, saying she found the Minority Leader’s comments insulting and inappropriate for someone holding such a prominent public office.

“I am old enough to be your mother. Afenyo-Markin is a small boy in my eyes. Who is he to disrespect me? He should never try that again,” she stated.

She also directed criticism at NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, saying she had known him since childhood.

“As for Justin, I knew him when he was still in diapers,” she remarked, dismissing attempts by some NPP leaders to belittle her role.

Nana Yaa Jantuah questioned what had changed in her relationship with Afenyo-Markin, recalling that he previously addressed her with respect.

“He used to call me ‘Senior.’ What has changed? I am so mortified. I cannot comprehend what happened,” she said.

The Presidential Staffer further revealed that she intends to formally petition Speaker Alban Bagbin, requesting that the Minority Leader be compelled to withdraw his remarks.

According to her, the comments crossed the line of acceptable political discourse and failed to reflect the respect expected among senior public officials, regardless of political affiliation.

Nana Yaa Jantuah insists the comments made by the Minority Leader were unacceptable and says she is preparing a formal petition to Speaker Alban Bagbin, seeking a retraction of the remarks.

Joshua Sika Nartey, an Aspiring National Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, describing it as counterproductive, below the belt, and incapable of rebuilding the opposition party’s fortunes ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking during the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” Demo, Nartey said he deliberately attended the demonstration to observe the opposition’s activities because politicians must remain interested in developments within rival political parties.

“As a politician, you should be interested in what goes on in your opponent’s camp. So today I decided to come here and witness whatever is going on, but I can see that it’s below the belt. What they did today was counterproductive,” he stated.

‘Konongo Kaya syndrome’

Nartey argued that the NPP is suffering from what he termed the “Konongo Kaya syndrome,” claiming that after assuming office in 2017, the party promised to uphold the rule of law but spent much of its tenure pursuing allegations against former President John Dramani Mahama.

According to him, despite repeated allegations, including the Airbus matter and other corruption claims, the Akufo-Addo administration failed to secure any wrongdoing against Mahama.

He further claimed that the Office of the Special Prosecutor ultimately cleared Mahama, insisting that the NDC’s anti-corruption agenda has been consistent.

Defends ORAL initiative

Nartey defended the NDC government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, describing it as a key manifesto promise aimed at fighting corruption and recovering state assets.

He noted that shortly after assuming office, the Mahama administration established a five-member committee chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to investigate alleged cases of corruption and misuse of public resources.

According to him, the committee uncovered instances of alleged financial misconduct, stressing that those responsible must face the law.

“It is the duty of the NDC today to challenge corruption in this country because ill-gotten wealth will never prosper.”

Calls on NPP to rebuild

Rather than organising demonstrations, Nartey urged the NPP to undertake deep introspection and reorganise itself.

He said the current leadership of the opposition party is not providing the strong alternative that Ghana’s democracy requires.

Comparing today’s NPP with the party that returned to power in 2001, he argued that the opposition has become “a shadow of itself,” adding that many of its current leaders have failed to match the calibre of previous party figures.

He questioned whether the NPP had conducted any serious review of its 2024 electoral defeat, contrasting it with the publication of “Chasing the Elephant into the Bush,” a book written by Dr Arthur Kennedy after the party’s 2008 election loss.

According to him, the absence of similar reflections after the 2024 elections demonstrates weaknesses within the party’s current leadership.

Praises Mahama administration

Nartey commended President John Dramani Mahama’s government, saying it has performed strongly across several sectors since taking office.

He praised Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, claiming conditions in senior high schools have improved, and also lauded Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for what he described as proactive leadership within the health sector.

He argued that instead of staging protests, the NPP should establish a functional shadow government whose members would scrutinise ministers while learning from policies they believe are delivering results.

Quoting Proverbs 6:6-11, he urged the opposition to “go to the ant” and learn valuable lessons rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political noise.

Calls for responsible opposition

Nartey stressed that Ghana needs a responsible opposition capable of acknowledging government successes while constructively criticising shortcomings.

According to him, healthy democratic governance requires political parties to debate ideas instead of engaging in demonstrations that fail to address national concerns.

He also suggested that if internal divisions surrounding former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia remain unresolved, the NPP leadership should unite all factions to rebuild a formidable opposition capable of keeping the government accountable.

Commends judiciary and Attorney General

Nartey praised the judiciary, the Chief Justice, Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine, and members of the Attorney General’s office for what he described as their commitment to pursuing justice under the Mahama administration.

He called for increased investment in Ghana’s judicial system, arguing that a well-resourced judiciary would help eliminate corruption, state looting, and financial mismanagement.

Vows alleged looters will face justice

Reaffirming the NDC government’s anti-corruption agenda, Nartey said President Mahama has consistently maintained that his administration is determined to hold accountable anyone found to have misappropriated state resources during the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

He claimed the government has already made significant progress in pursuing corruption-related cases and assured Ghanaians that investigations and prosecutions would continue.

Nartey thanked Ghanaians for placing their confidence in President Mahama and the NDC, saying the government intends to honour the overwhelming parliamentary mandate it received by ensuring accountability and safeguarding public resources.