Own urban policies

-Minister appeals to stakeholders for desired impact

The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Mr. Martin Adjei Mensah-Korsah, has appealed to stakeholders to take ownership of policies focused on urban development to effect the needed change and transform urban areas.

He stressed that the idea of inclusive development transcended policy dialogues, sustained advocacy, and capacity development efforts, alongside cooperation and effective coordination among various stakeholders.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development is charged with the mandate to promote and ensure good governance and balanced development at the local level, enjoining the Ministry to champion strategies, actions, and partnerships to improve the living conditions of about 56.7% of urban dwellers.

According to him, policies and programs had been implemented as local actions to achieve the desired developmental changes, especially at the community level.

Mr. Mensah-Korsah said the challenges associated with Ghana’s urbanisation had evolved from congestion to environmental degradation, depletion of ecologically sensitive areas, and inadequate efficient public and transport services, hence the need to effect change in that regard.

The Minister was speaking at the 2024 Ghana Urban Forum (GUF) held in Accra on the theme: “Nurturing Roots, Growing Futures: Combining Policies and Partnerships for Urban Resilience and Transformation.”

Since 2009, the Forum has served as a collaborative platform for various stakeholders within the urban space to share knowledge and experiences, as well as deliberate on important urban development issues while proffering solutions that align with national and international frameworks.

He assured that the government is bent on fostering resilient urban areas and stands poised to navigate the complexities of urbanization to build thriving communities for generations to come.

He highlighted the transformative power inherent in sustainable urban growth, saying, “Urbanization presents a lot of opportunities that have the potential to change the face of our development.”

From tackling issues like congestion and environmental degradation to enhancing infrastructure and service delivery, the government’s commitment to urban development remains steadfast, he said.

Mr. Mensah-Korsah outlined the government’s comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development by detailing flagship programmes and projects initiated by the Ministry, including the Ghana Urban Management Pilot Programme, the Local Government Capacity Support Programme, and the Sustainable Cities Project – Phase 1.

These initiatives, coupled with strategic partnerships and inter-sectoral collaboration, aim to address multifaceted challenges and create resilient urban ecosystems.

“Our determination is reflected in the mandatory and periodic global and national reports, which show the significant progress being made in our urban spaces,” Mr. Mensah-Korsah affirmed, citing tangible evidence of Ghana’s strides towards achieving sustainable urbanization.

However, he acknowledged the persistent threats posed by emerging challenges such as pandemics, extremism, and climate change, underscoring the need for adaptive and forward-thinking approaches.

In alignment with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda, Ghana remains committed to fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, the Minister said, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement, citizen participation, and decentralized governance in driving meaningful urban transformation.

“As a Ministry responsible for coordinating the implementation of urban development policies, we wish to entreat stakeholders to take ownership of policies focused on urban development to effect the needed change and transform our urban areas,” Mr. Mensah-Korsah urged, emphasizing the imperative of collective action and shared responsibility.

Mr. Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator, said there was a need for inclusive economic transformation, equitable access to basic services, and resilient peace in Ghana and the importance of collaborative partnership for sustainable urban development.

He highlighted the need for digital transformation, sustainable finance, and resilient coastal areas, and sustainable solutions to address the complex challenges facing Ghana’s development.

Mr. Abani urged the Ministry to focus on leaving no one behind, as often in urban areas as wealth and prosperity continue, there are whole communities of men, women, children, persons with disabilities, and others who are left behind, hence hindering urban development.

The forum concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, determined to work towards effective urban planning and development.