The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has made significant progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals from 2018 to 2024. This was disclosed at the SDGs High-Level Political Forum held in New York, United States of America, from Monday, 8 to Wednesday, 17 July 2024, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The theme for the Forum was "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”. Ghana successfully hosted a side event on July 11, 2024, with the theme “Strengthening Partnerships at the Local Level for Effective Service Delivery: VLR as a Tool for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development”, and organised by the National Development Planning Commission in partnership with Engagement Global, GIZ, and with support from Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.

At the event, the STMA led by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Abdul-Mumin Issah, outlined STMA's gains and challenges, proffered the way forward and demonstrated effective global partnerships in achieving the global development targets through VLRs at the local level. Accompanied by the MCE were the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mr. Innocent Haligah and the Metropolitan Development Planning Officer, Alhaji Mahama Abu. Ambassador Harold Agyeman, Head of Ghana’s Mission to the UN, welcomed the distinguished guests, including representatives from various international organizations, governments, and NGOs. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of localizing the SDGs and strengthening local institutions to address underperforming goals and accelerate sustainable development.

Ing. Nana Ato Arthur, Head of the Local Government Service and Ghana’s delegation for the 2024 UN HLPF, reiterated the importance of VLRs in achieving the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). The representative of the Engagement Global/BMZ DIFU, Germany (Mr. Kevin Borchers) and other speakers from the National Development Planning Commission and UN DESA provided messages of support, highlighting the need for stronger fiscal autonomy and decentralization to improve local government capacities. The STMA through this august event, has received great inspiration and momentum to improve on subsequent VLRs and vigorously implement interventions for the advancements in access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, as well as tackling maternal mortality, women's participation in local governance and social and financial inclusion.

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