News Desk Report
Accra, Oct. 5, 2026 — The Chartered Institute of Local Governance and Development (CILGD) has called for stronger and more professional local governance systems to support the development of inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities in Ghana.
The Institute made the call in a statement issued to commemorate World Habitat Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to promoting professional, accountable and responsive local governance as a foundation for sustainable cities and communities.
CILGD said growing urban populations were placing increasing pressure on local governments, particularly in areas such as housing, sanitation, waste management, infrastructure, transportation, climate resilience, spatial planning and access to essential public services.
It stressed that addressing these challenges required more than infrastructure investment, saying capable institutions, competent professionals, effective leadership and active citizen participation were equally essential.
The Institute therefore called for greater investment in the professional development and capacity building of local government practitioners, particularly those responsible for planning, development management and service delivery at the local level.
According to CILGD, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) — Sustainable Cities and Communities and the broader Sustainable Development Goals would depend significantly on the ability of local authorities to translate national and global development commitments into practical improvements in people’s lives.
It also urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, development partners and citizens to strengthen collaboration towards building inclusive, safe, resilient, well-planned and environmentally sustainable communities.
As part of Urban October 2026, CILGD said it would continue to promote dialogue and professional engagement on local governance and sustainable development, culminating in activities around World Cities Day on October 31, 2026.
“Sustainable communities begin with effective local institutions. As we invest in housing and infrastructure, we must equally invest in the people, systems and leadership responsible for governing our cities and communities,” the Institute said.
CILGD called on stakeholders to use World Habitat Day to renew their commitment to building communities where development is inclusive, local institutions are accountable, and citizens have the opportunity to live and thrive in safe and sustainable environments.
The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to professionalising local governance and strengthening institutional capacity for sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com