Champion urban development agenda in your jurisdiction – Local Govt Minister urges MMDAs

The Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralisation, Martin-Adjei Mensah Korsah, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to promote urban development within their jurisdictions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Ghana Urban Forum (GUF) in Accra on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the minister also charged stakeholders to embrace urban development policies as tools for effecting change and transformation.

"As a ministry responsible for coordinating the implementation of urban development policies, we wish to encourage stakeholders to take ownership of policies focused on urban development to effect the necessary change and transform our urban areas," he said.

"As per Section 12 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), I urge Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to champion the urban development agenda within their jurisdiction. Urbanisation presents many opportunities that have the potential to change the face of our development," he added.

The minister highlighted inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination as major challenges to Ghana’s urban development, stressing the importance of a platform such as the Ghana Urban Forum in mitigating such challenges.

He noted the United Nations' Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG) 11 as one of many global and regional commitments that the government of Ghana remains dedicated to contributing to global development.

"The Government of Ghana is determined to achieve these regional and global commitments through various policies and programmes. This determination is reflected in the mandatory and periodic global and national reports, which show significant progress being made in our urban spaces.

"However, we continue to face increasing traditional and emerging challenges, such as pandemics, the risk of extremism, and climate change, which have high potential to undo the transformation and investments we have achieved so far. It is our belief that through the development and effective delivery of policies and programmes, and strong partnerships, we will contribute to improving the living conditions of Ghanaians," Mr. Adjei-Mensah Korsah stated.

He emphasized that the outcomes of the 2024 GUF would serve as a catalyst for the commitment of the government, political actors, and all stakeholders to strive for effective urban planning and development.

Sponsored by the World Bank, the Ghana Urban Forum has, since 2009, 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 offering solutions that align with national and international frameworks.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, emphasized the critical need for an inclusive economic overhaul, fair access to fundamental services, and the establishment of lasting peace in Ghana.

He highlighted the importance of forging cooperative partnerships to foster sustainable urban growth.

Mr. Abani pointed out the urgency of embracing digital innovation, securing sustainable financial mechanisms, and fortifying coastal regions. He stressed the imperative for sustainable strategies to tackle the intricate obstacles impeding Ghana's progress.

He called on the Ministry to prioritize inclusivity, noting that as urban centers flourish economically, there remains a swath of overlooked communities—including men, women, children, and individuals with disabilities—whose exclusion poses a barrier to urban advancement.

This year's edition, a two-day event taking place from June 4 to 5, is being held under the theme: "Nurturing Roots, Growing Futures: Combining Policies and Partnerships for Urban Resilience and Transformation."

GA

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