Ghana is stepping up efforts to strengthen collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in advancing sustainable urban development and addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation.

This follows a bilateral meeting between the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) and UN-Habitat held on Thursday, 30th October 2025, at the Ministry’s Executive Conference Room in Accra.

The meeting focused on strengthening ongoing and future partnerships to promote inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), commended UN-Habitat for its consistent technical and policy support to Ghana’s urban development agenda.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome our development partners to engagements that advance Ghana’s journey toward sustainable urban development,” he said. “Urban development is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.”

The Minister highlighted major collaborative initiatives, including the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy (NSUPS), first developed in 2013 and currently being reviewed with support from UN-Habitat. He noted that the revised strategy is in its final stage and will be launched during World Cities Day.

He also mentioned progress on the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan, which aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. The revised policy, he said, will soon be presented to Cabinet for approval.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim further highlighted the Ghana Smart SDG Cities Programme, jointly implemented with UN-Habitat and funded by the Government of Norway, which is supporting ten cities through data-driven and impact-oriented approaches to localise the SDGs.

He added that, with support from the World Bank, the Ministry has developed a Sustainable Cities Strategy (SCS) to complement the revised National Urban Policy. The strategy provides targeted actions to address challenges related to housing, waste management, mobility, spatial planning and governance.

The Minister appealed for UN-Habitat’s continued technical and financial support to implement the Sustainable Cities Strategy and finalise both the National Urban Policy (2025–2034) and the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy (NSUPS).

He also called for support in disseminating and operationalising the Local Economic Development Policy (2024–2029) launched last year, as well as in developing the Ministry’s Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029) to guide its programmes over the next four years.

In her remarks, Ms. Abena Ntori, UN-Habitat Country Manager for Ghana, commended the Ministry for its leadership and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s sustainable urbanisation efforts. She said UN-Habitat remains open to deeper collaboration in implementing impactful and inclusive development projects.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit.

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) on Monday, 20th October 2025, held a high-level meeting to prepare a detailed document for submission to the Presidency.

This follows a directive from the Office of the President calling on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to assess the impact and progress of ongoing bilateral and multilateral projects under their supervision. The assessment also seeks to identify challenges, determine areas that may require review, and explore potential collaborations to enhance project delivery.

The Ministry’s report, which is expected to be data-driven, will provide a clear picture of the achievements and outcomes of various projects being implemented under the MLGCRA. The Ministry is scheduled to make its presentation to President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, 24th October 2025.

The Technical Team lead and the Director in charge of  Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME), Mr. Usama Iddrisu Samu, noted that the Ministry has eight development partners and fourteen bilateral and multilateral projects and programmes with each having its own focus aimed at enhancing national security and promoting sustainable development.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim commended the Chief Director, Alhaji Amin Abdul- Rahaman, the technical team working on the document, as well as all Directors, Staff, and Project Coordinators for their swift response and commitment to the assignment.

He lauded their collective effort in putting together a comprehensive and detailed presentation aimed at helping the President gain a deeper understanding of the Ministry’s ongoing projects and how they are contributing to effective local governance and development at the grassroots level.

According to the Minister, all Directors and Project Coordinators should remain committed to ensuring that all projects under their purview align with the national development agenda and deliver tangible benefits to local communities across the country.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Omanhene of Akuapem Mampong, Osabarima Kwame Otu Dartey III, has appealed to government through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to support efforts aimed at reviving cocoa cultivation in the area, describing it as a vital source of livelihood that once sustained many families within the traditional area.

He made the appeal at this year’s Ohum Festival celebration, held on Saturday, 18th October 2025 on the theme; 'Ensuring Sustainable Use of Our Natural Resources: The Role of Traditional Leaders.'

According to Osabarima Dartey III, cocoa farming used to be the mainstay of the Mampong community, providing employment and economic stability for the youth and elderly alike. He, however, lamented that many cocoa farms have been abandoned over the years, leaving the once vibrant sector in decline.

He expressed the worry that Akuapem Mampong cocoa farms were wasting away, yet this could have been a source of job creation for the youth if given the necessary support and called on government and relevant agencies to help restore this important economic activity.

Touching on the theme, the Omanhene urged traditional leaders across the country to be ambassadors in the fight against illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies and agricultural lands. He noted that while this was not prevalent in Akuapem, its ripple effects on water and food security in other regions had nationwide implications.

He warned that if the situation persists, the country may one day have to import water, adding that chemicals used in illegal mining also contaminate farm produce, posing health risks to communities.

On sanitation, Osabarima Dartey III emphasized that cleanliness should begin at home, urging residents to take personal responsibility for maintaining hygienic surroundings instead of waiting for government to clean the dirt they create, stressing that this was a civic duty.

This year’s Ohum Festival is aimed at raising funds towards the construction of a new palace for the traditional area envisioned as a hub for cultural education and a forum where young people can learn about their history and traditions.

The event brought together chiefs, queenmothers, and community members from across Akuapem to celebrate their heritage.

Source : Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA