LocationsEvery city has a story, and Accra's is written in the voices of its people
Urban October: Accra
October 7, 2026
While Accra faces challenges such as traffic congestion, uneven service delivery, a waste management crisis, expensive accommodation and rapid urban growth, its people remain determined to move forward.
Photo: Shutterstock
Urban October is a month-long campaign focused on sustainable urbanization and resilient cities. As our societies become increasingly urbanized, and the effects of climate change intensify, UNDP works around the world to make cities more livable for all their residents.
Each morning, I wake to the familiar sounds of a city coming to life. The bustle of ‘trotro’ (minibus) stations, traders greeting customers and the rhythm of daily activity remind me that Accra is a city that never loses its energy.
Beneath its busy streets and growing skyline are people driven by hope, resilience, and a shared desire for a better future.
For me, Accra has always been more than a place on a map. It is home. Born and raised here, I have experienced firsthand the warmth and sense of community that make the city special. Whether in Sakumono, Labadi, Osu, Teshie, Tse Addo, Kanda, Nima, North Kaneshie, East Cantonments, East Legon, or many other neighbourhoods, people support one another in countless ways. A neighbour helps carry groceries, a food vendor welcomes a customer with a smile, a stranger provides directions when you get lost and friends gather under a tree to share stories and laughter. These everyday acts of kindness create a sense of belonging that defines the city.
Accra is also a city of opportunity. Students travel across communities in pursuit of education; entrepreneurs build businesses in vibrant markets such as the famous Makola Market and several other markets and malls. Malls are relatively new and considered a foreign way of shopping.
Many professionals and artisans contribute to shaping Ghana's future. While the city faces challenges such as traffic congestion, uneven service delivery, a waste management crisis, expensive accommodations costs and rapid urban growth, its people remain determined to move forward. The hard work of the ordinary Ghanaian and perseverance continue to drive the city's progress.
Yet, for many residents, the idea of home extends beyond community and opportunity. It begins with having a safe, affordable and decent place to live. Adequate housing is more than a roof over one's head. It should provide security, dignity, and stability. It should create an environment where children can learn, families can thrive, and individuals can pursue their aspirations. When housing is affordable, safe, and connected to essential services, it becomes the foundation upon which inclusive and sustainable cities are built.
As Accra continues to grow, ensuring access to adequate housing for all remains essential. Every resident, regardless of income or background, deserves to live in a community that is safe, resilient and connected to opportunities. A city that invests in decent housing also invests in health, education, economic growth and social inclusion. It is through these investments that cities become truly equitable and leave no one behind.
My work with UNDP Ghana has strengthened my understanding of what it takes to build cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. UNDP supports national development through initiatives focused on Environment and Climate Action, Governance and Peacebuilding, and Development for All. These efforts are creating communities where people can live with dignity and access opportunities that improve their quality of life.
The citizens of Accra are working to create a city that has adequate housing, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability and meaningful participation for all.
Photo: Shutterstock
The Accra I envision or hope to see one day is one where every person has confidence in public institutions, access to economic opportunities and the chance to benefit from development. It should be a city where women and men can thrive equally, where young people can pursue their ambitions and where every family has access to adequate housing in safe and welcoming communities.
Women entrepreneurs in markets such as Makola, Mallam Atta and Nima are central to this vision. Their businesses support families, create employment and contribute significantly to the local economy. Empowering women through access to resources, mentorship and economic opportunities strengthens households and communities. When women succeed, cities become more prosperous, inclusive and resilient.
Accra's coastal location also reminds me of the importance of environmental sustainability. The beaches, wetlands and green spaces should not only be natural treasures but also important sources of livelihoods and protection against climate-related risks. Building climate-resilient communities means ensuring that housing and infrastructure can withstand environmental challenges while protecting the most vulnerable populations.
As evening falls and the city's lights begin to glow, I am reminded of why I love Accra.
It is a city of history, culture, opportunity and hope. It is a place where tradition meets modern life and where people continue to dream of a brighter future.
I remain optimistic about Accra's journey. Through collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, communities, women and young people, we can create a city that offers adequate housing, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability and meaningful participation for all. As a resident and development professional, I am proud to be part of this journey.
The story of Accra is still being written, and I am proud to call it home. My hope and prayers are that its next chapter will be one in which every resident enjoys the dignity, security and opportunity that come with adequate housing for all.