Using the Cantonments City project as a case study, we examine the changing land use of state security zones in Accra, Ghana, through public-private partnership. Combining qualitative and secondary data, this article explores the drivers, processes and implications of the project on urban space and people. The findings demonstrate that the project addresses the accommodation challenges of Ghana’s police while advancing the profit-driven goals of a domestic private investor, aligning with government policies on densification and efficient land use. However, the project also fosters social inequality and segregation. Consequently, the study highlights the need for inclusive PPP policies to balance economic efficiency with social equity.