Former Ghanaian President John Mahama has spoken about the difficulties he and his wife, Lordina, faced when searching for a home as a young couple. Mahama shared his experience at the National Conference on Housing Finance, emphasizing that their struggle reflects the challenges many young Ghanaian families continue to face in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. He described their search as "exhausting" and "frustrating," involving extensive travel across Accra with estate agents.
Mahama revealed that after leaving his father's house, he and his wife spent considerable time searching for a home, eventually finding one at Madina New Road. He noted that the financial demands associated with securing the house, including chalewote fees, multiple years' rent in advance, and agent fees, placed significant strain on their finances. This experience, Mahama said, is still a reality for many young Ghanaians, with substantial rent advances consuming savings meant for other essential needs.
According to Mahama, the housing crisis in Ghana must be viewed beyond statistics, emphasizing the human impact of inadequate and unaffordable housing. He stated that behind every housing statistic is a person or family seeking security and hoping for a better future. Mahama stressed that this human reality must guide the country's deliberations on addressing the housing challenge. Ghana's housing deficit stands at 1.8 million units, with over 30 percent of existing housing considered inadequate.
Mahama emphasized that addressing Ghana's housing challenge requires both constructing additional homes and improving existing living conditions. He noted that the country must also address overcrowding in slums, insecure tenure, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to utilities. Furthermore, Mahama stressed the need to ensure that new homes are safe, accessible, and connected to jobs and essential services.
The former President highlighted that the situation remains dire for many young Ghanaians, with rent advances depleting savings that families would otherwise use to educate their children or establish small businesses. Mahama's remarks come as the country grapples with a significant housing deficit and inadequate living conditions for many citizens. His comments are expected to resonate with many Ghanaians who have faced similar challenges in accessing affordable housing.
Mahama's experience and observations underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to Ghana's housing crisis. The National Conference on Housing Finance, where Mahama shared his experience, aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss the country's housing challenges and explore potential solutions. The conference provides a platform for experts and policymakers to examine the issues and develop strategies to address the housing deficit.
The issue of affordable housing remains a pressing concern in Ghana, with many citizens struggling to access suitable and affordable accommodation. Mahama's comments serve as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to address the country's housing challenges and ensure that all Ghanaians have access to secure and affordable housing.
Key points
- Former Ghanaian President John Mahama shared his experience of finding a home as a young married couple, highlighting the challenges many Ghanaian families face in accessing affordable housing.
- Mahama emphasized that addressing Ghana's housing challenge requires both constructing additional homes and improving existing living conditions.
- The housing deficit in Ghana stands at 1.8 million units, with over 30 percent of existing housing considered inadequate.
