The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Koldo Casla, commenced an official visit to Ghana on September 28, 2026. During his 12-day visit, Mr. Casla will assess Ghana's efforts to ensure that all citizens have access to adequate housing. He will examine the country's laws and practices related to housing, including access to public housing, affordability in the private sector, and habitability standards. The Special Rapporteur will also look into the impact of the climate crisis on the right to adequate housing.
Mr. Casla's visit will take him to several areas in Ghana, including the Greater Accra metropolitan area, Tamale and surrounding communities, and Cape Coast. During his visit, he will engage with national and local government officials, civil society representatives, and economic actors. The Special Rapporteur will also meet with tenants, people living in informal settlements, and those experiencing homelessness to hear about their experiences and concerns related to housing. These interactions will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by various stakeholders in Ghana.
A key aspect of Mr. Casla's visit is to examine the effects of the climate crisis on the right to adequate housing in Ghana. He will assess how climate change is impacting access to housing, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Special Rapporteur will also look into the participation of residents in decision-making processes related to housing and urban development. This will help him understand how Ghana is involving its citizens in shaping their living environments.
During his visit, Mr. Casla will hold a press conference on October 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Accra. The press conference will provide an opportunity for the Special Rapporteur to share his preliminary findings and observations. However, access to the press conference will be strictly limited to journalists.
As the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Koldo Casla is part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. The Special Procedures are the largest body of independent experts within the UN human rights system, serving as independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Mr. Casla and other Special Rapporteurs work on a voluntary basis, independent of governments and organizations.
After his visit, Mr. Casla is expected to present a report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027. The report will likely contain observations and recommendations on how Ghana can improve its housing situation and ensure that all citizens have access to adequate housing. The report will also highlight best practices and areas for improvement.
The visit by Mr. Casla is an important step in promoting the right to adequate housing in Ghana. It demonstrates the commitment of the international community to ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, secure, and adequate housing. The Special Rapporteur's findings and recommendations will provide valuable guidance for Ghana and other countries in addressing housing challenges.
Key points
- The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Koldo Casla, will visit Ghana from September 28 to October 9, 2026.
- Mr. Casla will examine Ghana's laws and practices related to housing, including access to public housing and affordability in the private sector.
- The Special Rapporteur will present a report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.
