Prof. George Gyan-Baffour
Ghana is set to present its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the upcoming High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2025.
This forum, convened by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), serves as a platform for countries to share their experiences and progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The decision to engage in the VNR process for a third time highlights Ghana’s steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a letter to the UN, signed by the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof. George Gyan-Baffour stated that the government expressed its intention to “highlight our successes, confront the challenges we face, and share the invaluable lessons we have learned along the way.”
The VNR process emphasises inclusivity and transparency, involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders to ensure the review captures the voices and experiences of all segments of Ghanaian society.
This aligns with Ghana’s commitment to an “inclusive and transparent review process,” aimed at charting the country’s progress while also “galvanising further action and partnerships” toward achieving the SDGs and the continental development agenda.
In preparation for this review, Ghana plans to adopt Voluntary Local Reviews, which will showcase efforts at achieving the SDGs at the local level. This approach will also allow the country to highlight advancements in priority areas of the SDGs.
The 2025 High-Level Political Forum will provide Ghana with a crucial international platform to showcase its sustainable development initiatives and experiences.
As the nation prepares for its third VNR, it aims to build on valuable insights gained from previous reviews, reinforcing its position as a leader in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke