The 28-member committee, chaired by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, is a strategic component of the broader Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme supported by the Government of Norway through UN-Habitat.

The Smart Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Cities Programme is a national initiative aimed at localizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through smart, data-driven planning, inclusive governance, and sustainable infrastructure development across selected Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana to build resilient cities by empowering local authorities to use digital tools, spatial data, and community engagement to improve service delivery, address urban challenges, and enhance climate resilience.

In his keynote address, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, in a speech read on his behalf, expressed pride in Accra’s selection as one of ten cities participating in the national programme and described the inauguration of the committee as a critical step towards realizing a smarter, greener, and more inclusive Accra.

“With the support of the Government of Norway through UN-Habitat and a dedicated USD 83,000 for Accra, we aim to align data-driven development with local innovation. This programme places people, especially the youth, at the heart of planning while strengthening our climate resilience,” the Mayor stated.

He also extended appreciation to UN-Habitat, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), and the Metro Budget Office for laying the groundwork for the programme, and called on members of the newly formed committee to fully embrace their mandate in reshaping the capital for future generations.

‘’Let us work together to make Accra a model Smart SDG Cities in Africa, aligned with the vision of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama. May this journey lead to fruitful collaboration and impactful results.’’

In a remark on behalf of the UN-Habitat Country Office, Dr. Prosper Korah, Urban Planning and Resilience Officer and focal point for the Smart SDGs Cities Programme, applauded the AMA’s leadership and reaffirmed UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting Accra’s efforts to localise the SDGs.

“This initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity for service delivery, spatial development, and strategic investment planning. The work of this committee will be critical in addressing rapid urbanisation challenges, including informal settlements and housing deficits, while ensuring that no one is left behind,” the representative noted.

Chairperson of the event, Naa Lamele Adzaku Dromo II, Lante Dzan We Manye in an interview with the media after the inauguration, highlighted the broader benefits of the Smart Cities concept, adding that successful implementation would improve traffic flow, introduce designated parking areas, and enhance public transport systems.

‘‘Smart Cities include smart traffic, good transport systems, and organized urban spaces. If done right, our lives will be much more comfortable, just like in parts of Kenya, where they’ve made great progress,” she said.

She urged the public to rally behind the initiative, stressing the importance of communal support, saying that “Change is difficult, but necessary. My plea to all citizens is to support the committee and trust the process, because ultimately, it’s for our collective good.”

The committee comprises key directors from the AMA, including the Metro Coordinating Director, Mr. Douglas N. K. Annoful, the Presiding Member of the AMA, Hon. Musah Ziyad, the Director of Budget and Rating, Mr. Noble Atsu Ahadzie, the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah and Nuumo Akwaa Mensah III, Nai Wulomo, representing the Ga Traditional Council.

Other members are Dr. Tina D. Wemegah, representing the Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University; Mr. Edem Gbekor-Kove, Director of Physical Planning, Mr. Abeeku Amissah, Director of Finance and the Regional Economic Planning Officer from the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC).

Other persons present include Mr. Richard Oduro, Directors of Development Planning, Mad. Miriam Mensah ESQ., Mad. Florence Kuukyi, Director of Public Health, Mr. Kojo Fynn, Director of Agriculture, Director of  Education, Youth and Sports, Works, Engr. Solomon Noi, Director of Waste Management, Mr. David Afosah, Director of Urban Roads, Mr. Niii Okai, Director of  NADMO, Mr. Alex Johnson, Director of Transport and Mr. Adams Bawa, Head of Metro Information Department and the Director of  Social Welfare and Community Development.

The rest are Directors of Legal Services, Statistics, Head of the Management Information Systems (MIS) Unit and representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA).