World Habitat Day observed in Bangladesh and Ghana

Bangladesh and Ghana are observing World Habitat Day 2026, focusing on the challenges of urbanisation and the necessity of affordable housing.

In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated in discussions in Dhaka centered on the theme ‘Universal Housing, Sustainable Urbanisation.’ The event, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, included a three-day housing fair featuring 157 stalls from the construction, housing, and banking sectors. The observance includes seminars on planned urbanisation and various regional programs across the country.

In Ghana, the government issued a joint statement from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Addressing the theme ‘Adequate Housing for All,’ officials highlighted significant barriers to homeownership, including high land prices and rising construction costs. Data cited by the government indicates that only 5% of Ghanaians can secure housing without assistance, while 60% require state-facilitated support. To combat these issues, Ghana is pursuing policies to expand housing finance, decentralize development, and collaborate with private developers through initiatives like the National Mortgage Scheme.