Ghana Learning From India's Climate-Proof Infrastructure

Building infrastructure that can survive climate disasters isn't just smart planning—it's becoming the difference between progress and repeated tragedy for developing nations.

Journalists from Africa and the Pacific recently traveled to India to learn how the country builds roads, hospitals, and housing that can withstand extreme weather and rapid city growth. The visit focused on India's leadership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a global partnership launched in 2019 that brings together governments, development banks, and experts to share knowledge about building smarter.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Over the next 20 years, developing countries will need trillions of dollars in new infrastructure, yet much of that investment never happens. Meanwhile, disasters keep destroying what's already built, with developing regions paying the highest price.

For Ghana, these lessons hit close to home. Despite investing in roads, markets, and drainage systems, the country faces recurring floods, market fires, and building collapses. Many of these disasters stem from preventable problems: construction in waterways, substandard materials, and poor maintenance. Each disaster destroys lives and forces costly rebuilding that drains public resources.

Africa faces a unique opportunity because most of its infrastructure hasn't been built yet. Decisions made today will determine whether new buildings and roads become assets or liabilities when the next storm hits.

India's approach offers a roadmap. The country showed visitors how to assess risks before breaking ground, update building codes for modern threats, and maintain infrastructure properly once it's built. These steps cost money upfront but save far more by preventing destruction later.

The Ripple Effect

When infrastructure fails, the poorest communities suffer most. Floods wash away homes in informal settlements. Collapsed bridges cut off rural villages from hospitals and schools. Each failure disrupts economic activity and makes investors nervous about funding new projects.

Building resilient infrastructure also requires training local engineers, updating technical skills, and sharing knowledge across borders. Countries can learn from each other's successes and mistakes, turning resilience into a shared global resource rather than a luxury only wealthy nations can afford.

Ghana's path forward means shifting from constantly rebuilding after disasters to investing in structures designed to last. That requires stronger enforcement of building codes, better urban planning, and the political will to stop construction in flood zones—even when it's unpopular.

As climate shocks intensify and cities grow faster, the choice is clear: build smart now or pay far more later in destroyed lives, homes, and dreams.