The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, joined the international community to commemorate World Habitat Day 2026. The theme, "Adequate Housing for All," emphasizes the urgent need for decent, safe, affordable, and inclusive housing for every citizen. This theme is particularly relevant to Ghana, where millions of citizens face challenges in accessing adequate housing.
Despite ongoing efforts to address the housing deficit, many Ghanaians face barriers to homeownership and decent accommodation due to high land prices, rising construction and infrastructure costs, and limited access to affordable housing finance. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, only about 5% of Ghanaians can secure housing without assistance, while approximately 60% require state-facilitated support, and 30% remain unable to access housing even with government subsidies.
To address these challenges, the Government is pursuing policies and programs aimed at improving housing affordability, expanding access to housing finance, and decentralizing housing delivery across the country. The Government is facilitating access to land, basic infrastructure, and credible off-takers while leveraging private sector expertise and investment in housing development.
The Government is implementing the National Mortgage Scheme in partnership with the National Housing Fund and Republic Bank to improve access to homeownership. The Scheme provides mortgage financing at an interest rate of approximately 8.4 percent per annum, with repayment periods of up to twenty years. This initiative aims to provide more Ghanaians, particularly those excluded from traditional mortgage markets, with the opportunity to own decent homes.
The Government is also implementing programs designed to decentralize housing development and expand affordable housing opportunities beyond the major urban centers. Initiatives such as the Greenville District Housing Programme and the National Rental Assistance Scheme aim to improve housing choice and accessibility for citizens across the country.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that adequate housing is accessible to all segments of society, including vulnerable groups and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Ground-floor units are reserved for PWDs in ongoing housing developments to enhance accessibility and convenience. Implementing agencies have been directed to engage disability groups and incorporate accessibility considerations into housing projects.
In July 2026, the Government launched the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan (2026-2035) and the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy and Implementation Plan (2026-2035). These policy frameworks prioritize investment in affordable and social housing, address housing and urban development challenges, and promote inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.
Key points
- The Government of Ghana emphasizes the need for affordable housing for all citizens on World Habitat Day 2026.
- Ghana's housing deficit is attributed to high land prices, rising construction costs, and limited access to affordable housing finance.
- The Government is implementing policies and programs to improve housing affordability and accessibility.
