District Housing programme to commence soon-Oppong Nkrumah
Government is set to commence its much-touted district-level housing projects aiming at addressing the country’s housing deficit.
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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 programme 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, Mr Oppong Nkrumah emphasised that the initiative was not merely about building homes but also about creating a framework for sustained regional growth.
Decentralise housing
“Our vision is to decentralise housing development, making it accessible and manageable at the district level.These projects will ensure that every district has the infrastructure to meet its housing needs and provide a solid foundation for future growth,” he stated.
The participants in the lecture
The initiative, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said, will include a variety of housing units, from low-cost apartments to larger family homes, designed to cater for 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,” he stated, pointing out that the district-level housing projects aimed at expanding the availability of affordable homes while considering the unique characteristics and needs of each region.
The lecture, which attracted 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.
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The Western Regional Minister, Mr Darko-Mensah, lauded the initiative, noting its alignment with regional development goals. “The district housing projects align perfectly with our regional development goals.
This approach will not only address the housing deficit but also enhance regional infrastructure and boost economic activities,” he stated and expressed optimism that the project would increase employment opportunities and improve living standards.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. Eshun, commended the government's emphasis on inclusive and sustainable development. He highlighted the university’s commitment towards supporting initiatives that drove regional growth and development, noting that the district housing project represented a crucial advance in providing safe and affordable housing for all Ghanaians.
The Chairman of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, underscored the significance of involving communities in the housing projects, 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. The Executive Director of the Busia Institute, Anane Agyei, expressed appreciation for the government's commitment to address the housing issues. “The Busia Institute is dedicated to promoting policies and initiatives that improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.