Propose policies to protect vulnerable populations – Henry Quartey to participants of GIMPA/Fordham Urban Law Conference

Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey has called on Urban law experts participating in the 9th International and Comparative Urban Law Conference (ICULC) to propose policy strategies that can be implemented by managers of urban cities to protect vulnerable populations in the world.

Henry Quartey made the call when he delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ICULC at the Moot Courtroom of the Law Faculty of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) on Thursday 18 May 2023.

The significance of urban law according to Mr Quartey, “cannot be overstated”, however, he observed that “effective urban policies and plan obstacles prohibiting creative mayors and urban managers from implementing changes and resolving the urgent problems facing their cities and urban systems is the existence of legal systems on different continents.

Many cities, Henry Quartey said, “are encumbered with rules that do not reflect the actual urban reality” and “even worse, it’s frequently difficult to enforce the laws and regulations that are currently in existence,”.

“We need robust legal frameworks and policies that are firmly rooted in principles of social justice, inclusivity, and human rights. We must ensure that no one is left behind in the process of urban development.

“I observed with great joy that some of the panel discussions would primarily be touching on sustainable urban development and planning. It is my hope that the policies we draft would prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, promote access to basic services, and create opportunities for economic empowerment, “the Greater Accra Regional Minister said.

“In doing so, we can build a city that is not only functional but also fosters a sense of belonging and well-being among its residents. This conference offers an invaluable opportunity to address these challenges head-on by promoting dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among urban law experts, policymakers, and practitioners.

“Through discussions and workshops, we can identify innovative approaches and legal solutions that will enable us to build a resilient and sustainable Accra. I encourage all participants to actively engage in the sessions, workshops, and discussions throughout the conference” he added.

Dean of GIMPA Law Faculty

Dean of the law faculty of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Dr Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, in his remarks, noted his delight about the fact that the 9th ICULC was been hosted by GIMPA, a renowned institution committed to excellence in education and research.

He called on the conference participants to bring their expertise to bear on issues of urbanization and to proffer tangible ideas that can be adopted by countries across the globe to inform their policy direction as they plan the transformation agendas of their respective cities.

“I encourage all of us here gathered and partaking in this discourse, to engage in rigorous intellectual debates, challenge prevailing assumptions, and contribute their unique perspectives.

“Together, let us explore the intersections of law and urbanism, understanding the complex dynamics that shape our cities and regions” Dr Agyeman-Budu said.

“Let us dissect the intricate web of legal frameworks, policies, and practices, and collectively strive to advance urban law scholarship for the betterment of our communities” he further pointed out.

Urban Law Center Director

Professor Davidson, on his part noted that more than 50 percent of the world’s inhabitants live in urban areas and to that end, municipal governments dealing with the resultant social, economic, and environmental effects of this mass movement need to do so with a lot of ingenuity.

It is therefore Professor Davidson’s projected view that the three-day International and Comparative Urban Law Conference would help discover a range of policy areas to help drive the innovation of cities globally.

The ICULC

The ICULC is the Urban Law Center at Fordham University School of Law’s annual convening of legal scholars from across the world, to explore issues relating to urban governance and innovation, sustainability and ecosystems, public health, housing, the structure and scope of local authority and the role of law in urban policy areas.

The ninth edition of the annual conference is co-sponsored and hosted by the GIMPA Faculty of Law and in attendance will be over 40 legal scholars from all over the world. The conference was opened by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, Deputy Rector of GIMPA, Professor Martin Morgan Tuuli, Dean of the GIMPA law faculty, Dr Kwaku Agyeman-Budu and Professor Nestor Davidson the Faculty Director of the Urban Law Center at Fordham University School of Law.

Topics/Panelist

Topics such “Work, Sustainable Urban Development, and Planning, Cities and International Law, Education as an Urban Legal Concern, Law and Legal Geography, Order, Policing, and Whistleblowing, Data and Technology in Urban Law, among others, will be up for consideration.

Panel members who will be contributing to the discussing will include Els Schipaanboord, who will look at “Area Bans and the Right to the City: An Empirical Analysis of Criminal Law and Administrative Law Sanctioning”.

Johandri Wright, will present on the topic, “Protection for Whistle-blowers in City Authorities: Europe and Africa Compared”, and Stefan van Tongeren, will on the other hand, consider the topic, “Integration Versus Intrusion: Balancing the Housing Rights of Ex-Offenders and their Neighbours in Dutch Urban Areas”.

Other speakers such as Marc L. Roark, will examine “LIHTC Covenants, Community Development and Resilience Gaps Between Black and White Neighbourhoods “and Steven L. Nelson and Courtney Parker West, will look at Exploring Aa Strategy for Resisting the State Takeover of Public Schools and School Districts.

Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra