Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban development, affordable housing delivery, and resilient local governance at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to 22, 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the country, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, delivered Ghana’s national statement at the global gathering, outlining government’s approach to managing rapid urbanisation and expanding infrastructure needs.

The forum, convened by UN-Habitat, was held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities” and brought together policymakers, urban planners, development partners, and civil society groups to address global challenges in housing, climate resilience, and urban inequality.

Mr. Ibrahim said Ghana’s urban development agenda is anchored on decentralisation, integrated planning, and inclusive participation, noting that urbanisation has become central to national development.

“For us, the urban question is not peripheral to development; it is central to national transformation,” he stated.

He explained that government is strengthening Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve service delivery and enhance local governance capacity in planning, financing, and infrastructure development.

The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s revised National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan, which aims to shift urban development from fragmented interventions to a coordinated, data-driven, and investment-ready approach.

On housing, he announced the introduction of a National Homeownership Fund designed to expand access to blended financing for both formal sector workers and those in the informal economy.

He further noted that under the Affordable Housing Programme, subsidies on serviced land and trunk infrastructure are expected to reduce housing delivery costs by up to 40 percent.

Mr. Ibrahim also outlined the District Housing Programme, which promotes the use of local building materials and climate-smart construction techniques to enhance affordability and environmental sustainability.

He showcased additional initiatives including the Local Economic Development Policy and the 24-Hour Model Market Initiative, aimed at modernising market infrastructure, improving sanitation and safety, and creating jobs for women and young people.

Discussions at WUF13 focused heavily on global housing shortages, climate adaptation, urban resilience, inclusive governance, and financing for sustainable cities.

Mr. Ibrahim stressed that developing countries require not only commitments but also financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to effectively implement urban transformation agendas.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to build inclusive, safe, and resilient cities in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.