ISpace

Rethinking urban safety, one idea at a time.

As part of the Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) Cape Coast Programme, we engaged 35 young innovators, with over 70% female participation, in a capacity-building session on Spatial Placemaking & Strategic Proposals.

From understanding how perceptions of safety influence behaviour and investment, to identifying measurable safety indicators and using Design Thinking and Problem Trees to uncover root causes, participants explored how placemaking can respond to real challenges in Cape Coast.

The conversation went beyond physical spaces to examine issues such as youth unemployment, drug abuse, sanitation, visibility, and community participation, and how thoughtful, evidence-based interventions can create safer, more inclusive places.

What if we stopped seeing urban spaces as just spaces and started seeing them as places?

As part of the Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) Cape Coast Programme, iSpace Foundation facilitated a public-private virtual roundtable bringing together the Ghana Health Service, GNCCI, local SMEs, and community organisations to explore how safer, more inclusive places can strengthen communities and local economies.

One question shaped the conversation: What does safety cost a business when it’s missing, and what does it create when it’s there?

From safer commutes and reduced risk of break-ins to hospitals building safety through trust and community relationships, the discussion highlighted that placemaking is not only about physical infrastructure; it is also about creating environments where people, businesses, and communities can thrive.

Participants then worked through three key areas affecting Cape Coast: infrastructure, community trust, and youth safety.

To move from conversation to action, we developed a 90-day action plan. Each group will connect its priority challenge to the relevant partner agency, identify missing stakeholders, and map existing or potential private-sector investments that can contribute to safer, stronger communities.

The goal is simple: turn shared ideas into practical action for a safer Cape Coast.

Real change begins when communities come together to shape the places they live.

As the Innovation and Technology Partner for the Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) Cape Coast 2026 Programme, iSpace Foundation facilitated a collaborative session on Placemaking Essentials & Participatory Urban Planning with local stakeholders, including representatives from the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA), the National Youth Authority (NYA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (DSWCD).

Together, we explored practical approaches to creating safer, more inclusive, and people-centred public spaces while strengthening youth participation in urban planning and decision-making.

Funded by Global Infrastructure Basel (GIB) and implemented by Play Soccer Ghana, the S²Cities Programme brings together local government, civil society, businesses, and community actors to support innovative youth-led placemaking initiatives and drive lasting systems-level change.
Because the cities of tomorrow are built by the people shaping them today.

We officially kicked off the next phase of the Founders Getaway & Business Clinic Series with an onboarding session for our 15 selected founders.

During the session, participants were introduced to the 6-week Business Clinic, what to expect throughout the journey, and how the programme will support them in diagnosing challenges, strengthening operations, and building actionable growth strategies.

The work continues.



Partner: Crossroads International

We got founders out of the office and into the greenery to Reset. Refocus. Rebuild.

Day 1 of the Founders Getaway & Business Clinic Series at Adoko Farms was a powerful reset, a day of deep reflection, honest business audits, and practical strategy for growth.

Highlights from the day:
The Stress Test: Founders identified exactly what would break in their businesses if 1,000 orders came in today.

The Business Audit: Honest conversations about what’s working, what isn’t, and the “fires” that need real solutions.

70% Women-Led Cohort: We’re proud to support a founder community that reflects the strength and innovation of women shaping Ghana’s startup ecosystem.

And this is only the beginning.

The real work starts now as founders move into 1-on-1 business clinic sessions focused on diagnosis, clarity, and ex*****on.

A huge thank you to Crossroads International for partnering with us to create this transformative experience.