The Government of Ghana has revealed that a mere 5% of its citizens can secure housing without any form of assistance. This disclosure was made by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in a joint statement to mark World Habitat Day 2026. The day's theme, “Adequate Housing for All,” underscores the government's commitment to addressing the nation's housing challenges.
According to the ministries, about 60% of Ghanaians require state-facilitated support to access decent housing. Furthermore, another 30% of the population remains unable to access housing even with government subsidies. The high cost of land, rising construction and infrastructure costs, and limited access to affordable housing finance have been identified as major contributors to the housing challenge in Ghana.
In response to these challenges, the government is implementing the National Mortgage Scheme in partnership with the National Housing Fund and Republic Bank. This initiative aims to expand access to homeownership by providing mortgage financing at an interest rate of approximately 8.4% annually, with repayment periods of up to 20 years. This scheme is particularly beneficial to Ghanaians who do not qualify for conventional mortgage facilities.
The government has also launched the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan 2026–2035 and the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy and Implementation Plan 2026–2035 to tackle housing and urban development challenges. These policies are designed to address the root causes of urban slum development and provide a framework for sustainable urban growth.
The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs emphasized that addressing the housing deficit requires a holistic approach. This approach should not only focus on constructing houses but also on providing essential services and infrastructure, including potable water, sanitation, roads, electricity, drainage, and public spaces.
In addition to these initiatives, there are also efforts to regulate certain activities that may contribute to the degradation of urban environments. For instance, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles are now punishable by an eight-month jail term. This move aims to maintain order and promote a conducive environment for urban development.
The government has reiterated its commitment to expanding access to decent, affordable, and sustainable housing throughout Ghana. The authorities believe that the implementation of these policies and programs will significantly improve the housing situation in the country, making it more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians.
Key points
- Only 5% of Ghanaians can afford housing without assistance.
- The government is implementing the National Mortgage Scheme to expand access to homeownership.
- The National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan 2026–2035 aims to tackle housing and urban development challenges.
