By Darling Maame Efua Cann
The Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), held in Cairo under the theme “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities”, drew over 25,000 participants from 182 countries to address the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation. Ghana’s participation was a defining moment, showcasing its achievements, confronting its challenges, and highlighting its commitment to shaping resilient and inclusive urban landscapes.
Robust delegation representing Ghana
Ghana’s delegation to WUF12 reflected the nation’s commitment to transformative urban development. Led initially by Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Works and Housing, and later by Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of Civil Service, the team comprised representatives from government ministries, the private sector, academia, and local governance institutions.
This diverse delegation was united by a clear vision to share Ghana’s urbanisation experiences, engage with global best practices, and build partnerships for sustainable urban development.
The participation of officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), and other key stakeholders underscored Ghana’s collaborative approach to addressing urbanisation challenges.
Ghana’s side event
One of the highlights of Ghana’s participation was its side event, “Pursuing the Urban Agenda in Ghana: The Successes and Challenges,” held on November 6. This session offered a comprehensive overview of Ghana’s journey in urban development, attracting over 80 participants from different countries, including policymakers, urban planners, and international experts.
The event spotlighted Ghana’s progress in urban planning, infrastructure, and governance. Achievements such as resilient city frameworks, sustainable waste management strategies, and affordable housing initiatives were shared with an engaged audience. The discussions also candidly addressed persistent challenges, including worsening traffic congestion, urban sprawl, and vulnerabilities to climate change.
The side event highlighted the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, innovative partnerships, and empowered local governance to address these pressing issues. Participants left with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to advancing the urban agenda in Ghana and beyond.
Leadership on the global stage
Ghana’s delegation made significant contributions to the broader discussions at WUF12. At the Ministerial Roundtable, Hon. Oppong Nkrumah highlighted Ghana’s achievements in urban resilience, housing, and infrastructure. He called for strengthened governance frameworks and innovative financing models to address urban challenges effectively.
Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh played a central role during the advisory group meetings, helping shape the Cairo Call to Action, a document outlining actionable steps for sustainable urbanisation. His leadership as Vice President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly amplified Ghana’s voice in global urbanisation discourse.
Ghana’s contributions were further highlighted in sessions on decentralisation, digitalisation, and climate resilience. The Smart SDG Cities Programme, an initiative demonstrating how technology can transform urban governance and enhance resilience, showcased Ghana’s innovative approach to addressing urban challenges.
Aligning local actions with global goals
The theme of WUF12, “It All Starts at Home,” resonated deeply with Ghana’s delegation. This concept goes beyond physical structures, encompassing social, economic, and cultural dimensions that define sustainable communities.
Ghana’s participation emphasised the importance of local actions in achieving global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. By aligning localised solutions with these global frameworks, Ghana demonstrated how national policies can drive meaningful, community-focused change.
Strategic partnerships for sustainable future
Ghana used the platform provided by WUF12 to forge valuable partnerships. Bilateral meetings with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office explored collaboration in green housing and sustainable urban planning. These discussions reinforced Ghana’s proactive approach to addressing housing deficits, enhancing urban infrastructure, and fostering climate-resilient communities.
Such engagements underscored the value of international cooperation in addressing urbanisation challenges, from affordable housing to climate adaptation. These partnerships will be instrumental in translating global goals into actionable outcomes for Ghana’s cities and towns.
Shaping urban development
A pivotal outcome of WUF12 was the Cairo Call to Action, a document that encapsulates the forum’s key insights and recommendations. Ghana played a significant role in crafting this blueprint, which prioritises critical issues such as affordable housing, equitable urban planning, and inclusive governance.
The Call to Action underscores the importance of empowering local actors, fostering inclusive communities, and building resilient cities. For Ghana, it validates the nation’s ongoing efforts and serves as a roadmap for advancing its urbanisation strategies in alignment with global best practices.
Preparing for WUF13
As WUF12 concluded, the focus shifted to the next session, scheduled for 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ghana’s delegation returned home with a wealth of insights and a renewed determination to implement the lessons learned in Cairo.
The relationships forged and knowledge gained during WUF12 will drive Ghana’s efforts to strengthen urban governance, expand partnerships, and enhance its resilience to urban challenges. With a focus on aligning local actions with global goals, Ghana is well-positioned to continue leading the charge for sustainable urbanisation in Africa.
Milestone in Ghana’s urban story
Ghana’s participation at WUF12 was a proud chapter in its urban development journey. Through its contributions, the nation enriched the global dialogue on sustainable urbanisation, shared valuable insights, and gained inspiration to tackle its own challenges.
As the world reflects on the outcomes of WUF12, Ghana’s presence in Cairo stands as a testament to its commitment to creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities. The journey continues, with WUF13 on the horizon and Ghana’s unwavering dedication to a better urban future shining brightly.
The writer is a Public Relations Officer with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development and a staff of the Information Services Department.
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