About
Vision of Change
Our vision of change is rooted in the belief that sustainable progress requires systems change. We understand that pathways to sustainable development are complex and must be led by purpose-driven individuals and social movements, such as the Ghana Federation of the Urban Poor. Collective wisdom and action are essential in addressing the root causes of poverty and exclusion.
Change is possible when those affected by poverty and exclusion are mobilized and empowered to engage constructively with power structures to reshape the narrative. Together, we can foster a more equitable and inclusive society
We Collaborate
OUR APPROACH
Empowering Communities Through Inclusive & Relevant Solutions
At the heart of our strategy is the recognition that systemic exclusion, rather than merely insufficient policies or governmental commitment, is the fundamental cause of urban poverty. Conventional urban planning and execution frameworks were not tailored to the distinct socio-spatial dynamics of informal settlements, making them largely ineffective in tackling urban poverty.
We strive to bridge this divide by engaging policymakers, support organizations, and communities to embrace contextually relevant solutions that resonate with the lived experiences of marginalized urban populations.
- Co-create solutions with communities, ensuring their needs and insights guide the interventions.
- Advocate for inclusive urban planning, utilizing local knowledge and partnerships to promote policies that reflect the realities of informal settlements.
- Cultivate long-term partnerships, uniting government agencies, financial institutions, and technical collaborators to co-develop sustainable urban solutions.
Our History
People’s Dialogue on Human Settlements (PD) is a registered not-for-profit organization in Ghana focused on enhancing the social and economic welfare of slum/informal settlement dwellers. Established in 2003 and registered in 2005 as an affiliate of Shack Dwellers International (SDI) in Ghana. PD arose in response to an eviction notice affecting residents of Old Fadama, Ghana’s largest informal settlement.
PD’s mission is to mobilize slum communities across Ghana, empowering them to improve their economic and social conditions. The organization prioritizes communal savings as a key mobilization strategy and develops sustainable alternatives to forced evictions, while also addressing climate change and building resilience through partnership.
As the professional support organization for the Ghana Federation of the Urban Poor (GHAFUP), PD operates in 37 cities in Ghana, providing financial and non-financial services to low-income and marginalized groups, particularly women in informal settlements. PD facilitates community-led processes by offering access to finance and technical support in areas such as livelihoods, slum upgrading, and pro-poor financial/business management solutions. enhancement.
Over the years, PD has created innovative financial products tailored to the needs of informal settlement residents, including savings schemes, livelihood loans for small businesses, and community project loans for housing and sanitation. Additionally, PD offers crucial non-financial support through capacity-building initiatives focused on financial literacy, project management, and leadership training.
Through its efforts, PD empowers communities to take collective action, engage with local authorities, and advocate for inclusive urban development policies. By promoting participation and accountability within community savings groups, PD enhances financial inclusion, strengthens communal ties, and improves the quality of life in informal settlements. In collaboration with GHAFUP, PD addresses the ongoing challenges of urban poverty and systemic exclusion through community-driven solutions.
Our Board
Our Board of Directors oversees the running of the organization. The Executive Director sees to the implementation of the decisions of the board. Board members are a team of specialized professionals with expertise in banking, urban planning, architecture, youth development, law, social work, gender advocates, and engineering to be at the center of strategies and decision-making for equitable urban development
Our Values
Inclusivity
Sustainability
Collaboration
Human Rights
Our Team
PD has a well experienced and highly competent staff and partners who are highly motivated. We also can boast of committed and passionate advocates from the slums constituting the Ghana Federation of the urban Poor – (slum dwellers) supporting and in most cases driving project activities in communities.
We have a very good working partnership with academia and committed professionals with expertise in urban policy planning and management, poverty and community development to meet the varied requirements and complexities of the urban challenges.
Why should you partner with us
- Our alliance with the Youth in Slum Association, Rail-land Dwellers Federation and Kayaye Youth Association, Ghana Federation of Informal Traders which collectively form the Ghana Federation of the Urban Poor (GHAFUP). GHAFUP is a well organised network of urban poor and slum dwellers initiated with grounded structures that enable them to access finance, skills, land, shelter, WASH
- Our strong existing partnerships and collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other urban stakeholders
- Our deep understanding and knowledge of Ghana’s decentralisation and local government structures and functioning
- Our ability to draw experiences and expertise from slum dwellers and professionals in about 21 SDI affiliated countries across the world
Partners
PD collaborates with Public Sector, Private Sector, CSOs, Community Organizations, Community
Facilitators, Leaders, and Consultants.
