The €20.6 million joint project by the European Union (EU), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Na­tions Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), aimed at addressing the root causes of irregular migra­tion by creating climate-resilient economic and employment oppor­tunities, particularly for the youth, women and returning migrants.

Implemented over the last four-years, the project, executed in 10 districts of the Ashanti and Western Regions, aligned with the government Coordinated Pro­gramme of Economic and Social Development policy (2021-2025) for creating prosperity and equal opportunities for all.

Speaking in a speech read on his behalf at the close-out ceremony in Accra, the Minister of Local Government, Decentral­isation and Rural Development, Mr Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, attributed the success of the project to a stronger collaboration with the private sector.

“Through this project, we have seen the power of collaboration between the Government, the pri­vate sector and our development partners, controlling the capacity of these groups.

As we continue to scale up these efforts, it is important to acknowledge how these invest­ments contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to local job creation and eco­nomic empowerment, furthering the Government’s commitment to decentralised development,” he stated.

Moving forward, the Minister called for more support from the EU, UNCDF and all relevant stakeholders for the continuation and design of phase two of the project to cover more Metro­politan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

Mr Jonas Claes, Deputy Head of Delegation, EU, said the Green project served as a powerful strate­gy for creating new opportunities, improving quality of life, and ensuring community resilience to external shocks.

“Whether it is through climate risk-informed planning or green infrastructure investment, the GrEEn project proofs that Gha­na’s future is brightest when both environment and economy come together,” he added.

He expressed the EU’s com­mitment to continually support the country in scaling up innova­tions and embracing the lessons from this project to enhance the lives of returning migrants, while reducing unemployment.

The Regional Coordinator, UNCDF, Ms Christel Alvergne, noted that the project which had been successful, positioned Ghana for better opportunities in the green space.

“This moment signifies not only the culmination of collective efforts over the past five years but also a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for Ghana.”