The government has been urged to take decisive steps to transform Nima into a modern city centre, with the Forum for Equity describing the redevelopment of the Accra community as an opportunity to create a lasting national legacy.
President of the Forum for Equity, Mr Prince Bagnaba Mba, said successive governments had recognised the need to redevelop Nima, but the issue had largely remained a political talking point, particularly during election periods.
He said there was now a need to move beyond promises and adopt a practical strategy to transform the community, which occupies a strategic location in the heart of Accra.
“For so long many political parties have made it an issue of paramount interest, but sadly there’s no any pragmatic approach to actualise this necessary national issue,” he said.
Mr Mba described Nima as one of the country’s most cosmopolitan urban settlements, characterised by a rapidly growing youthful population.
He expressed concern that high levels of unemployment among young people in the area could create socioeconomic and national security challenges if not addressed through deliberate development interventions.
According to him, transforming Nima into a modern urban centre with high-rise residential facilities, parks and entertainment spaces could help unlock the economic potential of the area while improving living conditions.
Mr Mba noted that calls for the redevelopment of Nima had existed since Ghana’s post-independence era but had yet to result in the comprehensive transformation required.
He argued that urban redevelopment should be treated as part of a broader national economic transformation strategy rather than an initiative activated only during election campaigns.
“From post independence, the call for developing Nima into a modern high rise apartments with parks and entertainment facilities seems to only be echoing only during election seasons,” he said.
Mr Mba cited the redevelopment of the Koforidua Zongo as an example of what decisive leadership could achieve.
He said the late Col Minyilla transformed the area by removing old structures and developing a housing estate, demonstrating that difficult urban redevelopment projects could be undertaken when leaders were prepared to act.
“We need the leadership that will dare the consequences, and do the right thing,” he said.
He maintained that the redevelopment of slum communities located within the centres of major cities was long overdue and should be pursued with urgency.
“It’s long overdue for slums in the heart of our cities and the time to act is now,” Mr Mba said.
He stressed that a successful transformation of Nima would not only improve housing and infrastructure but could also stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
According to him, the redevelopment of Nima into a modern city centre would therefore be “a legacy in perpetuity” for any government that successfully undertook the project.
