Ghana has made significant progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since adopting the 2030 Agenda in 2015, but the country still faces several challenges that need to be addressed.
Speaking on the theme; “the State of Plays of SDGs in Ghana, gains, challenges and the way forward” at a one-day symposium on the state of SDG implementation in Ghana on June 19, 2024 in Winneba in the Central Region, Dr. Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission, outlined Ghana's gains, challenges, and the way forward in achieving the global development targets.
Dr. Mensah-Abrampa noted that Ghana has taken several steps to mainstream the SDGs into its national development frameworks, engage stakeholders, and monitor progress through regular reporting. This includes the development of Ghana's SDG Budget Baseline Report (2018), Voluntary National Review Reports (2019 and 2022), and a Technical Report on SDG Transformation and Commitments (2023).
"Ghana's participation in the UN High-Level Political Forum has also helped to promote partnerships and consolidate efforts for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the sub-national level," the Director-General said.
In terms of progress, Dr. Mensah-Abrampa highlighted improvements in several areas, including education, with sustained gender parity and high completion rates at the kindergarten, primary, and junior high levels. There have also been advancements in access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, as well as in tackling maternal mortality, obesity among children, women's participation in parliament and local government, and financial inclusion.
However, the Director-General acknowledged that the country faces significant challenges, including a financing gap of an estimated $43 billion annually, data gaps, and inadequate capacity for implementing the 2030 Agenda, particularly at the sub-national level. The COVID-19 pandemic has also disrupted the implementation process, with the potential to increase poverty.
To address these challenges, the Director- General identified five priority SDG targets for investment and transformation, including developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions; achieving full and productive employment; ensuring quality education; improving access to sanitation and hygiene; and doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
"To ensure effective implementation, an implementation plan is being developed with key sectors to help achieve these priorities," Dr. Mensah-Abrampa said.