Sunday May 31, 2026
Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has championed the country’s vision for inclusive urban development, affordable housing and resilient local governance at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026.
Delivering Ghana’s country statement at the global gathering, the Minister outlined a range of policies and programmes being implemented by government to address the challenges and opportunities associated with rapid urbanisation, while positioning cities and human settlements as key drivers of national development.
Convened by UN-Habitat under the theme, “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” WUF13 brought together governments, mayors, development partners, urban planners and civil society organisations from across the globe to deliberate on solutions to the growing housing crisis, climate vulnerability, urban inequality and sustainable urbanisation.
Addressing delegates, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim noted that Ghana’s urban transition continues to create significant opportunities for innovation, enterprise and economic transformation, while also placing increasing demands on housing, land management, sanitation, drainage systems, mobility and access to public services.
“For us, the urban question is not peripheral to development; it is central to national transformation,” the Minister stated.
He explained that government is pursuing a coherent urban agenda anchored on decentralisation, integrated planning and local participation, while strengthening Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve service delivery, accountability and local economic development.
The Minister highlighted key national interventions including the revised National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan, the National Homeownership Fund, the Affordable Housing Programme and the District Housing Programme, all aimed at improving access to decent housing and promoting sustainable urban growth.
He further showcased flagship initiatives such as the Local Economic Development Policy and the 24-Hour Model Market Initiative, which seek to modernise market infrastructure, improve sanitation and safety, reduce congestion and create economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
The discussions at WUF13 focused heavily on the urgent need to address the global housing crisis, strengthen climate resilience, expand access to urban finance and accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Participants also called for stronger local institutions and greater international cooperation to support sustainable urban development.
The Minister’s presentation aligned closely with the broader global discussions, particularly on the need for housing to be treated as a catalyst for resilience, inclusion and economic opportunity, while empowering local governments to drive development from the grassroots.
On the sidelines of the Forum, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, to discuss ways of deepening cooperation between Ghana and UN-Habitat in advancing sustainable urban development and housing initiatives.
During the meeting, the Minister commended UN-Habitat for its longstanding partnership with Ghana and its leadership in promoting sustainable urbanisation through global platforms such as the Africa Urban Forum and the World Urban Forum. He highlighted Ghana’s progress in implementing urban development programmes and informed the Executive Director of the country’s submission of its New Urban Agenda Report.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also stressed the importance of maximising the use of national institutions and local expertise in programme implementation to ensure sustainability and local ownership. He acknowledged Ghana’s outstanding financial contribution to UN-Habitat and assured the organisation that steps were being taken to address the payment obligations.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, sustainable urban development, housing delivery and opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Ghana and UN-Habitat.
The Minister further reiterated Ghana’s commitment to continuous collaboration with UN-Habitat and expressed the country’s readiness to pursue joint resource mobilisation opportunities to support transformative urban development, housing and climate resilience initiatives.
Ghana’s participation at WUF13 underscored the country’s commitment to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, while strengthening partnerships aimed at building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities for present and future generations.