Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, long established as the diplomatic heartbeat of Africa, is making headlines again—this time as a model for urban development in the chambers of the Ghanaian Parliament.

Hajia Zuwera Mohammed, a Member of Parliament in Ghana, recently returned from an official working visit to the city. Her testimony to fellow lawmakers regarding the rapid transformation of Addis Ababa has since gone viral, sparking a heated conversation about infrastructure standards across the continent.

Speaking to the Ghanaian Parliament, Ms. Mohammed described a city that has evolved beyond recognition in just half a decade. She recounted her commute from her hotel to the African Union headquarters, noting the emergence of ultra-modern high-rises and the expansion of the transport network into sophisticated three- and four-lane highways.

The MPs observations focused heavily on the city's recent urban renewal initiatives. She highlighted the implementation of wide, modern walkways and dedicated cycling paths that prioritize pedestrian safety, alongside a proliferation of clean, accessible parks and green corridors where residents can congregate freely.

The experience led Ms. Mohammed to pose a pointed question to her colleagues in Accra, questioning why Ghana has not achieved similar results. She noted that the development she witnessed forced a moment of self-reflection, asking how what they have struggled to achieve in their own country is being successfully realized in Ethiopia.

Her briefing concluded with a formal urge for Ghana to study the Addis Ababa urban planning model. She argued that the modernization of cities is not merely about aesthetics, but about creating environments that are comfortable and functional for both citizens and tourists. As the worlds third-largest diplomatic hub, the recent facelift of Addis Ababa appears to be reinforcing its status as the political capital of Africa.