The Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD) Mr. Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to champion urban development agenda within their jurisdiction.
He added, “Urbanization presents a lot of opportunities that has the potential to change the face of our development.”
Mr Korsah said this during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Ghana Urban Forum on Tuesday in Accra under the theme, “Nurturing Roots, Growing Futures: Combining Policies and Partnerships for Urban Resilience and Transformation.
He emphasized that, the outcome of the 2024 Ghana Urban Forum would stimulate Government and Political commitment as well as the commitment of all stakeholders to drive effective urban planning and development.
“It is our hope to strengthen existing partnerships as well as build new partnerships towards urban development; and to create awareness, encourage collaboration and foster knowledge and experience sharing on urban development,” he added.
On his part, the United Nation Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive economic transformation, equitable access to essential services and the establishment of enduring peace in Ghana.
He urged the ministry to put inclusivity first, pointing out that even when urban areas prosper economically, there are still many underserved groups that must be taken into consideration, such as men, women, children, and people with disabilities, whose marginalization impedes urban progress.
The Ghana Urban Forum since 2009 has served as a collaborative platform for various stakeholders within the urban space including Ministries, Departments and Agencies; Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies; Civil Society Organisations; Private Sector; Development Partners; professional bodies and practitioners; scientific and academic communities; Traditional Authorities; the media as well as city dwellers.
It is to share knowledge and experiences as well as deliberate on important urban development issues while offering solutions that aligns with national and international frameworks.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
