A six-member delegation from UN-Habitat has paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to reaffirm the agency’s long-standing partnership with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and explore ways to deepen collaboration on sustainable development programmes.

Speaking during the visit, the Country Manager of UN-Habitat, Ms Abena Ntori, who led the delegation, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to provide the Mayor with an overview of the organisation’s work and discuss how both institutions could align their efforts as we advance.

“AMA is already a long-standing partner of UN-Habitat. That’s the city agency for the United Nations. However, since there is a new mayor, we decided to pay a courtesy call to provide him with an overview of the work we do and how we intend to move forward,” she said.

Ms Abena Ntori noted that UN-Habitat expected the collaboration to deepen, especially because of the strong working relationship it had established with AMA over the years.

“It’s just to let him know that we appreciate the collaboration with AMA and that we look forward to his commitment and to continuing with these kinds of engagements,” she noted.

She outlined specific focus areas, including the Smart SDG Cities Programme and initiatives linking sports with sustainable urban development, and recalled that, in the past, AMA and UN-Habitat had implemented the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme, which contributed to the development of slum upgrading strategies and interventions such as water and sanitation projects in communities like Ga Mashie.

She expressed commitment to working closely with the Mayor of Accra to deepen support and help achieve his goals and vision for the city and was optimistic that the renewed engagement would drive progress on inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Mayor Allotey, who welcomed the delegation, expressed appreciation for the continued support of UN-Habitat and expressed commitment to strengthening the relationship to drive positive impact in the city.

“I am very pleased to receive you today. I am ready to work closely with you to build on these achievements. My administration is determined to prioritise sustainable development, and I look forward to deepening our cooperation in all areas, especially programmes that improve the living conditions of our people.”

He added that the Assembly would provide the necessary institutional support to ensure that ongoing and future projects align with the city’s vision for inclusivity, resilience, and growth.