President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious plan to build a new “green digital city” in Ghana, a transformative urban project designed to redefine sustainable development in West Africa.
The announcement came during the Presidential Investment Forum held in Beijing as part of his ongoing state visit to the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking to a high-level audience of Chinese government officials and investors, President Mahama said the proposed city will be a model for modern, sustainable living, integrating green energy, smart infrastructure, and digital innovation.
“As part of Ghana’s transformation, we plan to establish a new green city that will straddle the three regions of Greater Accra, Volta, and Eastern regions.
“I’ll soon inaugurate an inter-ministerial committee to guide the design and feasibility study of this new city.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President explained that the initiative would be one of the most ambitious urban projects in Ghana’s history.
Envisioned as a 20-year development, the city will be executed in four phases, beginning with a feasibility and design phase led by an inter-ministerial committee.
“I will also appoint a transaction advisor to lead the process for the implementation of this all-important project.
“This will be a green digital city and will display cutting-edge technology in urban design, planning, and innovation.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Vision for Sustainable Urbanization
President Mahama noted that the new city is not just about infrastructure but about building a new kind of urban experience, one that blends environmental sustainability with technological advancement.
The project will prioritize renewable energy, efficient public transport, green architecture, and smart city systems that leverage data and technology to enhance governance and quality of life.
He emphasized that the first phase of the project will begin before the end of his current tenure, underscoring his commitment to laying a strong foundation for the initiative.
The announcement drew significant attention from Chinese business leaders attending the forum, many of whom have expressed growing interest in Africa’s green infrastructure and technology sectors.
President Mahama’s remarks in Beijing also highlighted Ghana’s determination to deepen economic cooperation with China, particularly in mining, energy, and industrial development.
“We see vast potential in critical minerals and electric vehicle value chains.
“With abundant resources of lithium, bauxite, manganese, and graphite, Ghana is poised to partner with Chinese investors in responsible mining and local processing to drive the global clean energy transition.”
President John Dramani Mahama
His message aligns with Ghana’s broader economic diversification agenda, which seeks to shift the country from a raw-material exporter to a value-added manufacturing and technology hub.
The proposed green city, in this context, represents both a symbol and a mechanism for this transformation, serving as a future hub for innovation, renewable energy enterprises, and sustainable urban industries.
China Pledges Support for Ghana’s Development Agenda
In response, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development vision, emphasizing the importance of implementing the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi pledged to help Ghana transform its resource wealth into sustainable growth and take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports.
“China is ready to work with Ghana to promote the upgrading of cooperation in various fields and make greater contributions to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping
He added that Beijing would explore new opportunities for collaboration with Ghana in sectors such as mining, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and industrial modernization.
The pledge signals China’s continued interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana, particularly in the context of Africa’s emerging role in the global clean energy economy.
President Mahama’s proposed green city is a bold and strategic move to tackle Ghana’s urbanization challenges while positioning the nation as a regional leader in sustainable innovation.
With Accra’s rapid population growth putting pressure on existing infrastructure, the creation of a new eco-smart urban center could help decongest the capital and set a new benchmark for environmental and digital resilience.
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