Ghana has formally requested technical and strategic support from the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in India to establish a National Infrastructure Registry, a move that signals a decisive shift toward data-driven planning, investment prioritisation and disaster resilience.
The request, submitted through the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund ( GIIF ) reflects growing concern within government that infrastructure development can no longer be planned or financed effectively without a comprehensive and reliable national database.
The development came to light during a 10-day familiarisation visit to India by 27 editors and journalists, including six from Ghana. The High Street Journal was among six Ghanaian media outlets that exclusively engaged CDRI authorities on Ghana’s infrastructure ambitions and the practical steps toward establishing the registry.
A Formal Request With Strategic Intent
CDRI officials confirmed that Ghana’s request goes beyond exploratory discussions. It seeks direct support for setting up a comprehensive, data-informed national register of infrastructure projects and assets, with resilience built into planning and investment decisions from the outset.
The registry is intended to serve as a national source of verified infrastructure data, covering roads, utilities, public buildings and major projects across sectors. By consolidating this information, government aims to strengthen transparency, reduce fragmentation and improve coordination among institutions responsible for infrastructure delivery.
Integrating Resilience Into Infrastructure Planning
According to CDRI authorities, a core value of the registry lies in its ability to link infrastructure data to risk and resilience considerations. With accurate, centralised information, policymakers can better identify vulnerable assets, prioritise upgrades and ensure that new investments are designed to withstand climate and disaster risks.
Rather than functioning as a standalone inventory, the registry will operate as a decision-support tool, helping government align infrastructure development with long-term resilience and sustainability goals.
A Whole-of-Government Approach
The proposed National Infrastructure Registry will rely on collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies. All sectors will be required to regularly update information on their infrastructure projects and assets, ensuring the database remains current and credible.
Importantly, the registry is designed to complement existing sector-specific asset management systems, not replace them. This approach allows Ghana to preserve specialised databases while improving national oversight and coherence.
Central Role of Finance and Investment Institutions
Placing the Ministry of Finance and GIIF at the centre of the initiative reflects the financial and strategic importance of the registry. For GIIF, the database will strengthen project selection and investment structuring, ensuring that capital is channelled toward infrastructure that delivers long-term value.
For the Ministry of Finance, the registry offers a clearer picture of national infrastructure exposure, supporting better fiscal planning, transparency and accountability.
Long-Term Gains for Ghana
Experts believe that a National Infrastructure Registry will deliver lasting benefits by improving planning efficiency, strengthening disaster preparedness and boosting investor confidence. Countries that have adopted similar systems, CDRI officials noted, have recorded better infrastructure performance and reduced losses from climate-related shocks.
For Ghana, the registry could become a foundational tool for resilient growth, ensuring that infrastructure development is guided by accurate data, coordinated governance and informed investment decisions.
A Strategic Shift in Thinking
The request to CDRI marks a turning point in Ghana’s infrastructure journey. It reflects a growing understanding that what is not properly tracked cannot be effectively protected or financed.
As Ghana looks to safeguard its development gains and build resilience against future shocks, the proposed National Infrastructure Registry stands out as a critical institutional reform with far-reaching implications.
