Ghana has officially launched its 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) process for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This will mark the third time the country has undertaken this review since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 2015.
In his remarks at the virtual launch ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof. George Gyan-Baffour, stated that Ghana, since the adoption of the 2030 agenda in 2015 has adjusted its strategies based on lessons learned from previous VNRs.
He explained that insights from the 2022 VNR led to the creation of a Technical Report on SDG Transformation and Commitments in 2023, which focuses on key areas that needed investment.
“The recommendations from our last review helped us prioritise five SDG targets, including equitable education and improved sanitation,” he explained.
He also placed emphasis on local-level reporting through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), showcasing reports from the Sekondi-Takoradi and Ga West assemblies during a recent High-level Political Forum in New York.
With only six years left until the 2030 deadline, Professor Gyan-Baffour stressed that it was important to prioritise the 2025 VNR, adding that “It will be a chance to reflect on our journey and strategise on how to meet the SDGs amid global challenges.”
He urged stakeholders to engage actively in the review process, ensuring that it reflects the diverse realities across the country.
“Leaving no one behind is essential. Every citizen must have a say in shaping our SDG agenda,” Professor Gyan-Baffour added.
The theme for the 2025 forum, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda,” will guide Ghana’s focus on health, gender equality, economic growth, and partnerships