The Government of Ghana has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development, affordable housing, and climate-smart infrastructure at the Resumed Second Session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly held from Thursday, 29th to Friday, 30th May 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Delivering Ghana’s national statement, the Honourable Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, underscored the country’s strategic integration of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its national and local development frameworks.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, Hon. Adjei extended appreciation to UN-Habitat for its continued partnership, particularly in supporting initiatives such as the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme. This flagship programme, implemented with the support of UN-Habitat, is designed to promote localized implementation of the 2030 Agenda through data-driven planning, SDG alignment tools, and certification incentives for municipalities.
Highlighting Ghana’s ongoing urban challenges, the Minister disclosed that the nation continues to face a housing deficit exceeding 1.8 million units, with 56.7 percent of its population now residing in urban centres. He stressed the urgency of structured urban planning, accessible housing, and inclusive infrastructure development to match the pace of urbanisation.
To address these needs, the Government of Ghana has launched the District Housing Programme, an innovative initiative promoting investment in climate-smart, affordable housing in underserved districts, supported by complementary infrastructure to drive balanced spatial development across the country.
In line with global decarbonisation efforts, Ghana in 2024 unveiled a National Roadmap to Decarbonise the Building and Construction Sector, in collaboration with UNEP, UN-Habitat, and UNOPS. The roadmap outlines Ghana’s commitment to reducing emissions from the built environment and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
Hon. Adjei expressed Ghana’s full support for the ten resolutions adopted at the Assembly, as well as the outcomes of the 2023 Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR). He affirmed Ghana’s endorsement of the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan of UN-Habitat, as well as global initiatives focusing on adequate housing, people-centred smart cities, and inclusive stakeholder engagement policies.
The Minister Adjei reaffirmed Ghana’s collective resolve to work collaboratively with Member States, development partners, and stakeholders to advance the SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The vision of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities is one we must pursue with unity, innovation, and resolve,” the Minister declared.
The UN-Habitat Assembly serves as the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. The 2025 session brought together government ministers, mayors, urban experts, and civil society organisations from around the world to chart a forward-looking agenda for urban resilience and equity.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)