Ghana’s Ministry of Works and Housing is bringing together stakeholders to address pressing issues in housing and water management. The 2024 Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) is a key initiative in this effort.
Focus on Collaboration
- Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach across sectors and stakeholders.
- The conference theme, “Enhancing Collaboration to Tackle Ghana’s Housing and Hydrology Challenges,” reflects this commitment.
Key Goals of BENCHH
- Develop solutions for critical issues affecting urban development and water management.
- Increase affordable housing options.
- Improve urban planning and promote sustainable building practices.
- Showcase innovative solutions and successful case studies from other countries.
Government Initiatives
- Launch of the GH¢1.5 million National Hydrological Fund to support flood management and water infrastructure projects.
- Deepening public-private partnerships for affordable housing through incentives for developers.
- Reforms planned for regulatory bodies in the built environment sector.
Addressing Existing Challenges
- Persistent flooding despite national flood control programs.
- Housing shortage with a national deficit of 1.8 million units.
- Limited funding hindering affordable housing programs.
- Inconsistent project completion due to political transitions.
Looking Ahead
- The Ministry will present detailed reports on past interventions and explore new strategies with stakeholders.
- Discussions on fostering collaboration among banks, pension funds, and local assemblies.
