SDGs localization and socio-economic development outcomes in Ghana

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted globally in 2015, necessitate localization where national and sub-national entities adapt and integrate these goals to address socioeconomic and environmental issues in different contexts. This research examines how local governments in Ghana integrate the SDGs into their Medium-Term Development Plans (MTDPs) and assesses the association between these localized efforts and key socio-economic development outcomes. By analyzing the MTDPs of 138 local governments across 14 regions, the research finds that 78% of the 169 SDGs targets have been localized in Ghana. Using the Spearman correlation analysis, the study reveals a strong association between localized SDGs targets and improved socio-economic outcomes, particularly in areas of healthcare access, education, gender equality, and economic opportunities. The results highlight the multi-dimensional and interconnected impacts of the SDGs, underscoring the need for a nexus approach to achieving sustainable development. Nonetheless, goals related to climate action and environmental sustainability show less localization, indicating a need for targeted interventions. The study showcases the potential of SDGs localization to drive sustainable development, reinforcing the importance of empowering local governments in tailoring global goals to local contexts. The study’s insights contribute to the broader discourse on SDGs localization, offering valuable lessons for similar initiatives in other sub-Saharan African countries.