District Housing Program in the offing -KON hints

Government is set to commence its much-touted district-level housing projects, aiming to address Ghana’s housing deficit.

This initiative was unveiled by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, during the Busia Institute Lecture, held at the Takoradi Technical University, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The program is designed to tackle the country’s 1.8 million housing gap by decentralising housing development and tailoring solutions to the specific needs of each region.

In his keynote address, Minister Oppong Nkrumah detailed the government’s strategic approach to the district housing program.

He emphasised that this initiative is not merely about building homes but also about creating a framework for sustained regional growth.

“Our vision is to decentralise housing development, making it accessible and manageable at the district level,” he said.

“These projects will ensure that every district has the infrastructure to meet its housing needs and provide a solid foundation for future growth,” he added.

The Minister highlighted that the program will include a variety of housing units, from low-cost apartments to larger family homes, designed to cater to different income levels and needs stating that the project would offer localised solutions to housing problems while simultaneously creating job opportunities for the youth.

“Our nation’s housing challenges require localised solutions,” stated, presenting a vision for district-level housing projects aimed at expanding the availability of affordable homes while considering the unique characteristics and needs of each region.

The lecture, attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries, including the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah; the Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun; the Chairman of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II and the Executive Director of the Busia Institute, Anane Agyei, provided a robust platform for discussing the strategic measures necessary to address housing challenges across the country.

Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with regional development goals.

“The district housing projects align perfectly with our regional development goals,” the Western Regional Minister said.

“This approach will not only address the housing deficit but also enhance regional infrastructure and boost economic activities.”

He expressed optimism about the positive effects the projects would have on local communities, including increased employment opportunities and improved living standards.

The Minister also underscored the importance of integrating regional development plans with national housing strategies to maximize impact.

Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, commended government’s emphasis on inclusive and sustainable development.

He highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive regional growth and development, noting that the district housing projects represent a crucial advance in providing safe and affordable housing for all Ghanaians.

Prof. Eshun also affirmed the University’s willingness to engage in research and development efforts to ensure the success of these projects.

Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Chairman of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, underscored the significance of involving communities in the housing projects.

He expressed enthusiasm for the chance to collaborate with government on these initiatives, stressing the need for local communities to be actively engaged in both planning and execution. According to Sekyim II, this approach ensures that the projects address specific community needs and contribute to sustainable development.

He pleaded with traditional authorities to facilitate land acquisition that will see to the implementation of the projects.

Executive Director of the Busia Institute, Anane Agyei, expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to addressing housing issues.

“The Busia Institute is dedicated to promoting policies and initiatives that improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.

“We welcome the district housing projects and are prepared to support their success through research, advocacy and stakeholder engagement,” Mr. Agyei stated.

He underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that the projects achieve their intended outcomes.

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