Building green cities: Experts call for better planning, waste recovery and sustainable financing

Creating green cities goes beyond planting trees; it demands a fundamental shift in how urban areas produce energy, manage waste, finance infrastructure, accommodate transportation, and safeguard natural resources. This consensus emerged during a high-level discussion on green urban development, where policymakers, sustainability experts, and development partners emphasized the need for practical projects that can attract long-term investment.

While Ghana has established policies on climate action, energy transition, and urban development, implementation has lagged due to insufficient planning, disjointed coordination among institutions, and limited financing. Dr. Gloria Boamah Kusi, Senior Sustainability Officer at Jospong Green Transitions Office, highlighted that effective waste segregation at the source is crucial for a successful circular economy.

She stressed that waste should be viewed as a valuable resource that can generate new products, renewable energy, and employment when properly managed. Separating waste at its origin significantly enhances material recovery, making recycling and compost production more efficient.

Moreover, truly green cities must incorporate renewable energy, sustainable transport systems, climate-responsive infrastructure, and sufficient green spaces to cut carbon emissions and enhance urban resilience. Project Manager Doris Edem Agbevivi from the French Development Agency explained that waste management, transport, and energy sectors must be planned together for cities to achieve environmental sustainability.

She pointed out that despite progress in waste management, much of the collected waste still ends up in disposal sites rather than being recovered for economic value. Agbevivi questioned the sustainability of transitioning to electric vehicles if the necessary infrastructure—such as charging systems and battery recycling—is not green. She emphasized that every component of the green transition must be considered collectively.

Financing sustainable urban development is another significant hurdle. Doris Edem Agbevivi noted that Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) provide capital, but only when governments present credible, well-developed investment plans. She stressed that these plans should lead to implementable projects rather than remaining as feasibility studies. Development partners consistently seek measurable milestones, clear implementation strategies, and bankable projects before committing financial support.

Representing the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ing. Godfred Fiifi Boadi Esq. acknowledged that countries worldwide are pursuing green city agendas, but implementation varies due to local conditions. In Ghana, the Energy Transition Framework recognizes waste management, transport, and energy as pivotal elements of national climate action.

However, Boadi argued that investment priorities need to shift, emphasizing that smaller investments in waste management can yield greater environmental and economic returns than larger investments in other sectors. He advocated for Effective Producer Responsibility (EPR), whereby manufacturers bear the costs of collecting, recycling, and safely disposing of products after consumer use.

This approach would shift the financial burden away from taxpayers and local assemblies, ensuring manufacturers take greater responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.