The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a global buzzword, but how much do we understand them? Adopted in 2015 by 193 United Nations member states, the SDGs aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity by 2030. For Ghana, like many African nations, these goals offer hope for tackling longstanding development challenges.

But a pressing question remains; Do we truly grasp the SDGs' concept and context, or are we just going along because it seems right? How well do these global goals fit Ghana’s unique realities? Understanding this is key to ensuring Ghana isn’t just participating but shaping its development journey.

A Personal Reflection

A few weeks ago, I attended a lecture where the lecturer posed an intriguing question about concepts and context. This sparked a deeper reflection on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leading me to ask: What is the concept behind the SDGs, and how are we applying them in our national context? The SDGs are frequently discussed, but how many of us truly understand their purpose and implications?

These questions are not just academic; they are deeply practical and can shape how advocates like myself and the entire nation approach global development goals.

Revisiting the SDGs.

The SDGs are a global blueprint with 17 interconnected goals, from ending poverty to fighting climate change. They build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but expand to address issues like inequality and sustainable consumption. The SDGs emphasize universality, meaning they apply to all nations, regardless of income level, and require collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector. (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)

Now, like other African nations, Ghana was involved in discussions leading to the SDGs. However, ongoing conversations exist about whether these goals address Africa’s unique challenges. Organisations like the African Union (AU) and civil society organizations continue to push for better alignment with the continent’s needs. This raises an important question: Do the SDGs reflect shared global priorities, or are they more tailored to developed nations?

Ghana and the SDGs

Since 2015, Ghana has tried to integrate the SDGs into national development plans. Initiatives like Free Senior High School (aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education) and Planting for Food and Jobs (supporting SDGs 1, 8, and 13) show Ghana’s commitment. The country has also embraced the Voluntary National Review process, involving diverse groups like persons with disabilities, market women, and smallholder farmers to ensure policies reflect local realities.

However, challenges remain. Public awareness of the SDGs is low, and implementation often does not meet its targets. For example, while progress has been made in education, challenges related to quality, equity, and infrastructure continue to hinder progress. Similarly, weak enforcement of environmental laws and limited funding for green energy projects hinder progress in climate action (SDG 13).

The disconnect is even more evident at the grassroots level. Many rural communities prioritize immediate needs like clean water and healthcare over engaging with global goals. This raises critical questions like how can we make the SDGs relatable and actionable for everyday Ghanaians?

Aligning the SDGs with Ghana’s Local Realities

For Ghana to fully benefit from the SDGs, we need to align them better with local realities. Urban areas face challenges like unemployment, while rural areas struggle with agricultural sustainability. Addressing these specific issues is essential.

Public education is also crucial. The SDGs shouldn’t just be policy jargon, they should inspire action at the community level. Advocates, educators, and leaders must simplify these goals so that everyone, from schoolchildren to farmers, understands their importance.

As citizens, we must hold leaders accountable while playing our part. Are we pushing for policies that prioritize the SDGs? Are we acting responsibly in our daily lives to support these goals? Achieving the SDGs is not just the government’s job, it’s a collective mission to build a better future for all.

The SDGs offer Ghana a chance to tackle its biggest challenges while contributing to global progress. But to succeed, we need to go beyond surface-level adoption and truly understand and internalize these goals.

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Hilda Aku Asiedu, the author can be contacted via email at hildaakuasiedu@gmail.com