Research conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) between 1950 and 2010 revealed that the nation’s housing deficit steadily increased from one million to 2.8 million units.
The 2021 Population and Housing Census data on structures, housing conditions, and facilities as presented by the GSS showed a reversal in the housing deficit by 33 percent.
GSS believes that possible interventions happening both at the governmental and private sector levels have informed this decline in the housing deficit faced by the country.
Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye (FAB), speaking in an interview, revealed the National Revised Affordable Housing Programme to be rolled out by the ruling government in November this year, barring any hitches.
The programme seeks to support the 60 % of Ghanaians who can afford to house with support from the government.
The minister is confident the programme would be a success as compared to previous ones the country has seen under previous government as it does not only rely on government funding but partnered with private investors.
However, the first group of people to be considered are public sector workers who are on payroll.
Mr Asenso says the ministry, in collaboration with banks, has built a system where these banks would act as off-takers while these workers pay by instalments.
However, the minister noted that informal sector workers like market women and artisans would not be left behind.
Once an informal worker proves himself creditworthy, he is eligible to enrol in the programme.
“As long as you are able to prove to your banks that you have a dedicated source of income, and at the end of the month you can contribute GH¢1,000, or GH¢500, based on the requirements of the banks, you should be able to qualify for the package” he noted.
Greater Accra and the Ashanti regions would see an estimated housing unit count of about 12,000, with 8,000 in Pokuase and 4,000 in Dedesua, respectively.
Provided all plans and processes turn out well, Mr Asenso says “If we are able to expedite action on the processes, by November this year, we should be able to start construction”.
He expressed worry over the delay in the approval process of the housing programme and explained how important housing is to Ghanaians.
“I wish that the process was expeditiously executed because this housing programme is more important for Ghanaians,” he said.
Public housing developments, according to the minister, would be effective if they were managed by an implementing agency.
Source: The Independent Ghana