The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has highlighted the growing investment potential in Ghana’s housing sector, urging the private sector to take advantage of emerging opportunities driven by urban growth and government-backed initiatives.
Speaking through Mr. Prosper Hoetu, Chief Executive Officer of the National Homeownership Fund Company Limited, at the launch of the Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair, Mr. Adjei emphasized that Ghana’s expanding urban population and housing-focused government policies provide a solid foundation for new developments, infrastructure projects, and finance solutions.
“The Habitat Fair continues to be a crucial platform for encouraging partnerships, generating innovative ideas, and promoting investment in real estate,” he stated. “It also serves as a means to communicate government’s vision and efforts directly to industry players and investors.”
Currently, 59% of Ghana’s population lives in urban areas, with an annual urbanization rate of 3.3%. As more Ghanaians move into cities, housing demand is increasing yet the delivery system continues to face difficulties, particularly in catering to low- and middle-income households.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Ghana faces a housing deficit of 1.8 million units, down from 2.8 million in previous years. Despite the progress, Mr. Adjei noted that many available units remain unoccupied about 12.7% nationwide highlighting a mismatch between supply and actual needs.
He reiterated that housing is a fundamental human right, recognized under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Access to a home is essential for a dignified life. But for many Ghanaians, especially in the affordable segment, this remains out of reach,” he said.
In response, the government has made housing a top priority in its development strategy. According to the Minister, the administration is implementing policies that will improve access to decent, affordable homes, with a strong focus on low- and middle-income earners.
Among the proposed strategies are land acquisition reforms, improvements in contracting processes, infrastructure expansion, and the introduction of diverse financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships (PPPs).
He also revealed that the Ministry is working closely with key institutions, including the Lands Commission, to resolve land tenure issues an essential step toward creating a business-friendly environment for real estate investment.
Looking ahead, Mr. Adjei announced plans to roll out the District Housing Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to provide accessible housing across the country. The project will also cater to Ghanaians in the diaspora, offering opportunities to own homes in planned and secure communities in their regions of origin.
“The private sector has a critical role to play,” the Minister noted. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and providing the leadership needed to align housing policies with inclusive, sustainable growth.”
He concluded by calling for collaboration from all stakeholders government agencies, private firms, financial institutions, and citizens to ensure that the vision for a more accessible and resilient housing market becomes reality.
