By Isabella Agyakwa
In a significant development in the housing sector, the government is constructing 609 new homes tailored specifically to the needs the country’s public servants.
The project, according to the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, underscores the government’s commitment to improving housing conditions for public sector employees, providing them with secure and suitable living environments.
“These new housing units are part of our broader efforts to address Ghana’s housing deficit, which is currently estimated at 1.8 million units,” the Minister said.
He noted that “decent housing enriches the lives of our public servants,” adding that “it provides them with dignity and enables them to perform their duties effectively.”
Mr Oppong Nkrumah disclosed this when he took his turn at the Ministers’ Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Information yesterday in Accra.
He said the construction of these homes was being undertaken under the District Housing Programme, which aimed to meet the housing needs of public sector employees, including teachers, nurses, police officers and other essential workers, particularly those assigned to rural and underserved areas.
“Our public servants deserve quality housing that fosters a conducive environment for their work and family life. The new homes will be constructed in various districts across the country, ensuring accessibility for those in rural areas,” the Minister disclosed.
GIIF
On dealing with housing deficit, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) was poised to play a crucial role in enhancing sustainable financing for housing projects nationwide.
He underscored the need to create innovative financing models to facilitate the construction of affordable housing in the country in order to close the housing deficit.
As a result, he said, the GIIF would collaborate closely with the Ministry of Works and Housing to develop sustainable financial solutions for various housing projects. This partnership aims to support efforts to reduce the housing deficit and ensure that more citizens have access to adequate living conditions.
“The creation of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) will help raise sustainable resources for nationwide housing projects which will be very vital to us if we are to bridge the housing gap,” he said
A key focus of the GIIF will be to establish a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework designed to encourage private sector involvement in housing provision. This framework, he said, would provide several incentives to attract private developers, such as land grants and tax breaks.
In addition to the GIIF’s role, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah highlighted the importance of the National Homeownership Fund (NHF), which was established in 2018 to facilitate affordable housing financing. The NHF has partnered with commercial banks to launch the National Mortgage Schemes, which have already enabled the issuance of over 300 mortgages during their pilot phase.
The Minister also provided updates on ongoing efforts to address stalled housing projects. The Koforidua Affordable Housing Project, which had previously been halted, is set to resume following its handover to the State Housing Company Limited. This project aims to expedite construction while ensuring high-quality standards.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also confirmed that negotiations were underway to handover the Saglemi Housing Project to a private developer for redevelopment, allowing for the completion and sale of the units without additional government investment.
Land development
He also announced that the Ministry had made available 51,000 acres of its lands for development.
This land availability is part of government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable urban development, and provide adequate housing solutions for Ghanaians. He stated, “With 51,000 acres of land at our disposal, we are poised to take substantial steps toward meeting the housing needs of our growing population.”
The vast land holdings will be utilized for various housing projects, including affordable housing units aimed at public servants, and to facilitate the government’s District Housing Programme.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah highlighted that the initiative was essential for attracting private sector investment and encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the housing sector.
“Securing adequate land for development is a critical component of our strategy to alleviate the housing deficit, which currently stands at approximately 1.8 million units,” the Minister said. He pointed out that the government was actively working to streamline land acquisition processes to remove barriers that have historically impeded real estate development.
He said as part of this initiative, the Ministry would engage with traditional authorities and local communities to ensure that land was allocated effectively and that developments meet the needs of those living in the areas. “We are committed to ensuring that our developments are not only functional but also enhance the quality of life for residents,” he assured.
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