Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, is scheduled to visit Ghana from January 6 to January 11, 2025, as part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to deepen its partnership with the country. The visit comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, marking a significant chapter in Ghana’s governance and economic trajectory.
The World Bank, which has maintained a presence in Ghana since 1957, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s development agenda. With an active portfolio of $4.84 billion spread across 25 projects, Diagana’s visit underscores the World Bank's commitment to fostering sustainable growth in Ghana.
Key Engagements During the Visit
During his stay in Ghana, Diagana will participate in several high-profile activities. His visit will kick off with his attendance at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Mahama. This event, set against the backdrop of a new government, provides an opportunity for the World Bank to reaffirm its commitment to Ghana’s development aspirations.
One of the key highlights of the visit will be a meeting with President Mahama to discuss the vision and priorities of his administration. Diagana is expected to explore areas where the World Bank can collaborate with the incoming government to drive prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The discussions will likely focus on economic recovery, social protection, and strategies to mitigate climate change.
Symbolic Visits in Accra
In Accra, Diagana will visit the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. This historic site, recently renovated with support from the World Bank, stands as a testament to Ghana’s heritage and the institution's role in preserving it. The visit to the park will not only highlight the bank’s contributions to cultural projects but also emphasize its holistic approach to development that includes infrastructure, tourism, and history.
Diagana’s itinerary also includes meetings with various stakeholders to discuss ongoing projects and initiatives. These discussions are expected to cover the bank’s role in enhancing urban resilience, social protection, and competitiveness in Ghana.
Spotlight on Kumasi and Urban Mobility
Beyond Accra, Diagana will travel to Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, where he is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The visit to the Asantehene will provide an opportunity to engage with local leadership on development priorities for the region.
One of the major projects under discussion in Kumasi will be the Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP), currently in its preparatory phase. This transformative initiative aims to improve urban transportation and accessibility, addressing the mobility challenges faced by one of Ghana’s busiest cities. Diagana will visit the KUMAP site to assess progress and discuss next steps with stakeholders.
World Bank’s Expansive Portfolio in Ghana
The World Bank’s active portfolio in Ghana reflects its broad-based approach to development, encompassing sectors such as finance, health, urban resilience, and social protection. The largest share of the portfolio, 15%, is dedicated to finance and competitiveness, aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment and boosting economic growth.
Health, nutrition, and population projects account for 12% of the portfolio, highlighting the bank’s focus on improving healthcare outcomes and addressing critical public health challenges. Urban resilience and land projects, also at 12%, aim to tackle issues related to climate change, sustainable urbanization, and disaster management.
Social protection and jobs constitute 9% of the portfolio, reflecting the World Bank’s commitment to reducing poverty and creating opportunities for vulnerable populations. Other areas of focus include education, agriculture, and energy, all of which are critical to Ghana’s long-term development.
Strengthening Ghana’s Global Partnerships
Diagana’s visit underscores the importance of Ghana’s partnership with the World Bank in achieving its development goals. Over the years, this collaboration has facilitated significant investments in infrastructure, education, health, and other critical sectors. As Ghana seeks to navigate global economic uncertainties, the World Bank’s support remains crucial in driving inclusive growth and reducing inequality.
President-elect Mahama’s administration is expected to prioritize economic recovery, job creation, and social protection, aligning closely with the World Bank’s strategic priorities. Diagana’s engagements in Ghana will focus on identifying areas where the institution can provide technical and financial support to accelerate progress in these areas.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana ushers in a new administration, Diagana’s visit serves as a timely reminder of the critical role international partnerships play in national development. The World Bank’s commitment to Ghana, exemplified by its robust portfolio and continued presence, positions it as a key partner in the country’s quest for sustainable growth.
By engaging with government officials, local leaders, and project stakeholders, Diagana aims to strengthen the bank’s relationship with Ghana and ensure its interventions are aligned with national priorities. His visit also highlights the need for collaborative efforts to address pressing challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and economic inequality.
In the coming days, Ghanaians will watch closely as Diagana’s engagements unfold, hoping for tangible outcomes that will contribute to the nation’s development. For the World Bank, this visit represents an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to Ghana and showcase its impact on the ground.
As Diagana wraps up his visit on January 11, the insights gained and the partnerships forged will undoubtedly shape the future of the World Bank’s operations in Ghana, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the country’s development journey.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0