The government’s initiative to address the national housing shortage is making significant progress, with nearly 200 housing units nearing completion at Amrahia. This achievement is a result of a collaborative effort between the State Housing Company (SHC) and private developers, aimed at providing affordable housing nationwide.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, visited the site to assess the project’s advancement. Expressing his satisfaction, the Minister commended the SHC management and Board for their work. “We commend the management and the Board of State Housing for the kind of work you are doing here at Amrahia. Two hundred homes on a 40-acre parcel of land, about 75% complete, is a big story. We’re happy to come and see for ourselves, and we’re asking you to meet the timeline so that people can have use of this as quickly as possible,” he stated.
The Amrahia project is part of a larger effort to deliver affordable housing across the country, including ongoing projects in Dedesua, Ashanti Region, and Pokuase, Greater Accra Region. Additionally, the government is redeveloping the Saglemi housing units, which will yield 1,500 housing units, scaled down from the initial 5,000.
During his visit, the Minister also toured other key sites, including the Legacy Court, where 70 abandoned affordable housing units are being redeveloped, and the SHC Court, both located in Adenta.
Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, Managing Director of SHC, provided details on the types of units being constructed, which include 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units, designed to cater to different income levels. He expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress and potential impact. “This project showcases what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and government support. We are confident that these homes will set a new standard for affordable housing in Ghana, providing quality and cost-effective living spaces for our citizens,” he said.
Furthermore, the government is piloting a set of housing incentives aimed at encouraging private developers to undertake large-scale housing projects in the country. This initiative, currently being piloted with the SHC, aims to significantly reduce construction costs and expedite housing delivery. The incentives include strategic collaboration by key Ministries and Agencies to provide essential infrastructure like roads and water systems, thereby lowering construction costs for developers.
