Tamale: The European Union (EU), Government of Ghana, and France have concluded a mission in Tamale, aimed at strengthening cooperation and addressing critical development challenges, particularly on sustainable cities and climate resilience across the Northern part of Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the officials involved in the mission included Mr. Irchad Razaaly, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, and Mr. Jules-Armand Aniambossou, the French Ambassador to Ghana. They were joined by Mr. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, and Mrs. Pamela Adofo Ansong, Head of the Rural and Urban Development Unit at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA).
A joint statement released by the EU, Government of Ghana, and France highlighted that since 2022, France and the EU have collaborated on sustainable cities development in northern Ghana. This partnership commenced with the first phase of the Sustainable Cities Project, valued at £15 million, which was launched in September 2024 in Tamale and is currently being implemented in six cities: Tamale, Nalerigu, Wa, Bolgatanga, Damongo, and Yendi.
The project, funded by the EU, is being implemented by the Agence Fran§aise de D©veloppement Groupe - Expertise France (AFD Group). It focuses on urban planning and management, providing essential services like waste management, recreational areas, and water access. Additionally, it includes the creation of an Urban Observatory (UO) to monitor urban development and management across sectors.
Recognizing the challenges faced by residents in these cities, the EU and France have partnered to provide additional funds to help the Government of Ghana address urban development issues and boost socio-economic growth in Tamale and its surrounding areas. The Northern Regional Minister, speaking on behalf of Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the sector minister, emphasized the significance of the visit in symbolizing their joint interest in fostering development in Northern Ghana.
Mr. Razaaly, the EU Ambassador, stated that the partnership aims to drive prosperity for both the people and the economy in the Northern Region. The initiative brings together the EU Delegation, France, the European Investment Bank, and Hungary, as well as non-EU partners like UNICEF, to mobilize funding and collaborate on the development of urban areas in the north.
The EU Ambassador also mentioned that they are finalizing a new intervention estimated at £55.5 million, focusing on sanitation and climate resilience. New partners such as Denmark and the Netherlands are being engaged to explore ways to improve access to water in Wa, Tamale, and Damongo, where the situation is critical, with discussions with the Government already underway.
Mr. Aniambossou highlighted France's commitment to implementing projects in Tamale and Northern Ghana that would have a real and sustainable impact on local people's daily lives. In the current context of climate change, it is crucial to support the improvement of living conditions. These projects are designed in partnership with local authorities and communities to understand their needs and address them.
