Les Ateliers de Cergy is starting a collective and creative work in Northern Ghana, in collaboration with Expertise France, the European Union and local stakeholders from the area.

Ghana, a West African country with diverse ecological zones, faces contrasting development dynamics between its coastal south and the savannah north. As the capital of the Northern Region, Tamale plays a strategic role in regional governance and trade within this historically less urbanized area.

Tamale is undergoing rapid expansion, marked by fragmented urban growth and the proliferation of informal settlements at its periphery. This places increasing strain on access to essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity.

The city’s infrastructure—particularly roads, drainage systems, and waste management—is under pressure from both population growth and climate variability. Seasonal flooding, exacerbated by inadequate stormwater infrastructure and poor waste disposal practices, poses recurring risks to public health and mobility. In addition, Tamale’s reliance on groundwater and surface water sources is becoming increasingly fragile, as urbanization encroaches on recharge zones and pollution threatens water quality.

Les Ateliers is initiating a process to develop a shared diagnosis with local actors and lead to an on-site workshop that will produce illustrated strategies and concrete proposals for the city's development. This reflection will also extend to several towns and territories across Northern Ghana, ensuring that the initiative contributes to a broader regional vision.