Report on Slums and Informal Settlements in Ghana: Addressing Urban Challenges through Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Housing Challenges in Ghana

The recent publication titled The Slums and Informal Settlements Report, launched on 30 June 2025, reveals critical issues related to housing, urban planning, and infrastructure deficits across Ghanaian communities. The findings emphasize the severity of Ghana’s housing challenges and the urgent need for targeted urban development policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Spread of Slums and Informal Settlements

The report highlights widespread slum conditions and informal settlements that exacerbate urban inequalities. Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu described the data as “a serious wake-up call”, urging local authorities to take leadership in addressing urban poverty and housing deficits. He emphasized that:

• Data must be actively used to inform urban planning and resource allocation (SDG 11).
• Interventions at the local level are essential to reduce disparities (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).

Regional Disparities in Slum Housing

The report identifies significant regional differences in slum living conditions:

1. Greater Accra Region: Highest proportion of slum dwellers in rented spaces at 52.5%.
2. Ashanti Region: Second highest at 51.8%.
3. Other regions show considerably lower rates, indicating concentration of slums in densely populated urban centers.

These disparities underscore the need for region-specific urban development strategies that promote equitable access to adequate housing and sanitation, in line with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Urgent Calls for Reform and Policy Alignment

Dr. Iddrisu highlighted the threats posed by slum conditions to public health, safety, and equity, calling for urgent reforms in:

• Housing policies
• Sanitation infrastructure
• Social service delivery

He urged metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to align their budgets and development strategies with the report’s data to effectively address these challenges, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through improved governance.

Demographic Insights and Infrastructure Pressure

The report notes that women living in slum areas have slightly higher fertility rates compared to those in non-slum localities. This demographic trend may increase pressure on already overstretched infrastructure and services in informal settlements, highlighting the importance of integrating reproductive health and family planning services (SDG 3) into urban development plans.

Urban Classification and Planning Gaps

Despite rapid population growth and internal migration, only 10% of localities in Ghana are formally classified as urban. This mismatch between population trends and urban classification reveals a critical gap in planning and infrastructure expansion, calling for improved data-driven urban management consistent with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Conclusion: Towards Inclusive and Equitable Urban Development

With nearly one-third of Ghana’s population residing in informal settlements, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) urges swift, data-driven actions to bridge urban inequality gaps. The report’s findings highlight the pressing need for inclusive urban reforms and equitable development policies that improve living conditions for millions of Ghanaians. Such efforts are essential to achieving multiple SDGs, including:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Implementing these reforms will contribute to sustainable urban development and improved quality of life across Ghana’s cities and towns.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights urban poverty and housing deficits, indicating a connection to poverty reduction.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The report mentions threats to public health due to slum conditions.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article notes higher fertility rates among women in slum areas, implying gender-related issues.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Calls for reforms in sanitation are mentioned.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article discusses deepening inequalities in urban areas.
6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The core focus is on housing, urban planning, informal settlements, and urban infrastructure.
7. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Emphasis on local authorities’ leadership and data-driven planning.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1
   • Target 1.4: Ensure access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
2. SDG 3
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution, which can be linked to poor housing and sanitation.
3. SDG 5
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, related to fertility rates in slum areas.
4. SDG 6
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
5. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all.
6. SDG 11
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
7. SDG 16
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Proportion of urban population living in slums or informal settlements (implied by the statistics on slum dwellers in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions).
2. Percentage of localities formally classified as urban (10% mentioned, indicating a gap in urban classification).
3. Fertility rates among women in slum vs. non-slum areas (implied by the mention of higher fertility rates in slums).
4. Access to basic services such as sanitation and housing quality (implied by calls for reforms in sanitation and housing).
5. Budget allocation and development strategies aligned with data on urban poverty and housing deficits (implied as a measure of institutional response).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: africa.businessinsider.com