The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (MP), has revealed that the housing project under the State Housing Company Limited (SHC), situated at Amrahia, which will provide 200 homes is 75% complete.
The Minister made this known during a media briefing, after a tour to inspect the status of works of housing projects in Accra, being undertaken by the SHC at Adentan and Amrahia in the Greater Accra Region.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to revitalising stalled housing projects across the nation.
“We have consistently emphasised the imperative of not abandoning crucial housing projects. Our proactive approach involves resuming and completing these developments to ensure they serve their intended purpose for our citizens.”
The Minister commended the management and board of the SHC for their diligence in restarting the Amrahia project, particularly highlighting the swift progress made since its resumption six weeks ago, amidst legal challenges.
“I extend my commendation to the State Housing Company for their dedication to replacing infrastructure and conducting necessary integrity tests,” he praised.
Addressing misconceptions surrounding private sector involvement, Minister Oppong Nkrumah clarified the government’s strategy.
“Contrary to some misunderstandings, we are not selling these projects to private contractors, rather, we are partnering with private entities to inject capital and expertise into completing these projects, thereafter making them available to the public at affordable rates.”
Synergies and Cost Reduction Initiatives
The Minister emphasised innovative synergies being piloted at the Amrahia site, particularly in collaboration with infrastructure development partners.
“Integrating road, water and energy projects into our housing initiatives is pivotal. By sharing these infrastructure costs, we anticipate reducing the final unit cost by up to 30%, thereby enhancing accessibility to quality housing for our citizens.”
He lauded collaborative efforts with other ministries, notably acknowledging the Ministry of Roads and Highways for their support in accelerating infrastructure development.
“Such partnerships are integral to our overarching goal of lowering housing costs and improving the overall living standards of our populace,” he said.
Future Plans and Policy Initiatives
Looking ahead, Minister Oppong Nkrumah outlined comprehensive policy initiatives aimed at tackling Ghana’s substantial housing deficit, currently estimated at 1.8 million units.
“Addressing this deficit demands a multifaceted approach, with a primary focus on boosting housing supply through strategic public-private partnerships,” he articulated.
“Our master Public-Private Partnership framework aims to deliver 180,000 housing units over the next decade, significantly mitigating the housing shortfall.”
In addition to incentivising private developers, the Minister underscored ongoing engagements with financial institutions to deepen and diversify the mortgage market.
“We are actively collaborating with banks and pension funds to facilitate long-term, affordable financing options for prospective homeowners. This initiative seeks to empower young professionals and families to purchase homes and secure their future,” he highlighted.
Community and Economic Impact
The Minister elaborated on the broader socio-economic implications of robust housing development initiatives.
“Beyond addressing the immediate housing needs, our efforts are geared towards fostering sustainable economic growth and social cohesion,” he asserted.
He emphasised the potential ripple effects of increased housing availability on job creation, infrastructure development and overall economic stimulation.
“Each housing unit constructed represents an opportunity to enhance livelihoods and create new economic opportunities,” he remarked.
“This aligns with our vision of a Ghana where every citizen can thrive in a secure and conducive living environment.”
Challenges and Strategic Partnerships
Acknowledging the challenges inherent in scaling up housing projects, Minister Oppong Nkrumah underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
“Effective collaboration with stakeholders across sectors is indispensable to overcoming logistical, financial and regulatory hurdles,” he noted.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory frameworks and expedite bureaucratic processes to facilitate smoother project execution. “Our aim is to create an enabling environment where developers can operate efficiently and deliver projects on schedule and within budget,” he emphasised.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah concluded the tour by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing housing development as a critical component of national development. “Today’s visit underscores our dedication to delivering on our promises and ensuring tangible results for our citizens.
“With continued diligence and collaborative effort, we are confident in our ability to bridge the housing deficit and create a more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.”
The Minister also elaborated that government was orchestrating a strategic collaboration between key Ministries and Agencies to handle the provision of essential infrastructure like water and roads. By having these Ministries and Agencies take on these responsibilities, he explained, would lower the construction costs for developers.
“In particular to this Amrahia project, we are piloting synergies with other sectors of government. For example, the Ministries of Roads and Energy as well as the Ghana Water Company Limited, Why?
“Because when we build in those synergies, it means the developer doesn’t have to construct the road himself, or extend electricity himself, or extend water, and it has the potential to reduce the cost of the final unit that is being sold by up to about 30%,” he said.
He said piloting these synergies with the SHC gives government an opportunity to see how they might be implemented on a larger scale as they work with private developers. This partnership, he explained, along with others, will be integral to the proposed incentives package aimed at master developers.
“The goal is to further reduce development costs while enhancing affordability through mortgage financing, allowing prospective homeowners to spread the cost over many years,” he said.
SHC Managing Director
The Managing Director (MD) of the State Housing Company, Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, who also addressed the media emphasised that, “This is part of our commitment to providing quality housing solutions across Ghana.”
Highlighting the collaborative efforts that have facilitated progress, Mr Ampofo Appiah acknowledged the Ministry of Roads and Highways for their crucial support in infrastructure development.
“The road works undertaken by the Ministry have been instrumental in advancing this project. Such synergies exemplify our approach to efficient and sustainable development.”
Mr. Ampofo Appiah outlined State Housing’s broader development agenda, spanning various regions across Ghana.
“In addition to our projects in Greater Accra, we are actively developing estates in the Central Region, North Ridge, Cape Coast, Takoradi and expanding into the Western North with initiatives in Tamale, Bolgatanga and Nkwo,” he revealed.
“Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities in the Oti Region to further expand our footprint and cater to housing needs in previously underserved areas.”
Koforidua project
Addressing inquiries about ongoing projects in Koforidua, Mr. Ampofo Appiah detailed two significant endeavors.
“In Koforidua, we are undertaking two major projects,” he explained. “One mirrors the scope of Surgeons, while the other involves revitalising a previously abandoned project inherited from the JA Kufuor era.”
Responding to questions regarding housing unit specifics, he emphasised State Housing’s commitment to diversity and customisation.
“Our developments cater to varying needs, offering two, three, and four-bedroom units with diverse layouts. Some units feature en-suite bathrooms, while others include shared facilities.
“We offer options such as open floor plans and closed kitchens, ensuring each home reflects the preferences and lifestyles of its occupants.”
He further elaborated on the size and layout of individual units, stating “Each unit occupies an average land area of 60 by 74 feet. Across the entire Surgeons project, encompassing 200 units, we utilise approximately 40 acres of land.”
He articulated State Housing’s commitment to affordability and accessibility. “Our goal is not just to build houses, but to create communities where residents can thrive.
“Through strategic partnerships, innovative designs, and efficient project management, we aim to deliver high-quality housing that meets the diverse needs of Ghanaian families,” he said.
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