On October 7, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama addressed the National Conference on Housing Finance at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana. He emphasized the need for concrete actions to improve access to affordable housing. The conference aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing housing finance in Ghana. President Mahama's speech highlighted the government's commitment to addressing the country's housing challenges. He encouraged participants to work towards practical solutions. The President's call to action resonated with attendees, who are eager to make a meaningful impact in the housing sector.

President Mahama issued a challenge to at least three financial institutions to introduce or revise affordable housing loan products within the next six months. These products must specifically target households currently excluded from formal housing finance. The President stressed that the new products should demonstrate how people currently excluded from formal finance could be brought into the housing finance system. This initiative aims to increase access to affordable housing for low-income households. By introducing these products, banks can play a crucial role in addressing Ghana's housing needs. The President's challenge is expected to spur innovation in the banking sector.

The President also called for pilot financing partnerships between the National Housing Fund, lenders, and developers. These partnerships should be based on realistic house prices, clearly identified beneficiaries, and credible delivery arrangements. This initiative aims to increase the availability of affordable housing options for Ghanaians. By collaborating with the National Housing Fund, lenders and developers can leverage resources and expertise to deliver affordable housing projects. The President's proposal has the potential to unlock new opportunities for affordable housing in Ghana. Stakeholders are expected to work together to implement this initiative.

President Mahama further directed stakeholders to establish a technical working group on green affordable housing finance. This group will be responsible for developing a practical roadmap for the proposed national home buyer database. The President emphasized the need for a follow-up review to assess the commitments made, financing mobilized, products introduced, and progress towards actual housing delivery. The review will help track the impact of the initiatives announced during the conference. By monitoring progress, the government can ensure that the objectives of the conference are met. The technical working group will play a crucial role in driving the implementation of these initiatives.

The President emphasized that Ghanaians must see tangible results from the conference. He stated that the ultimate measure of success would be whether teachers, nurses, artisans, young families, and other ordinary Ghanaians could access decent homes without being overwhelmed by housing costs. President Mahama's statement underscored the government's commitment to delivering practical solutions to Ghana's housing challenges. The President's focus on affordability and accessibility resonated with attendees. By prioritizing the needs of low-income households, the government aims to make a meaningful impact in the housing sector.

The National Conference on Housing Finance brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing housing finance in Ghana. The conference provided a platform for experts to share knowledge and best practices in housing finance. Participants discussed innovative solutions to address Ghana's housing challenges. The conference also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to network and collaborate on housing projects. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference aimed to drive progress in the housing sector. The President's challenge to banks is expected to be a key outcome of the conference.

President Mahama's call to action has sparked optimism among stakeholders in the housing sector. The six-month deadline for banks to introduce affordable housing loan products has created a sense of urgency. Stakeholders are eager to work together to implement the initiatives announced during the conference. The President's commitment to addressing Ghana's housing challenges has been welcomed by attendees. By working together, stakeholders can make a meaningful impact in the housing sector. The President's challenge is expected to drive innovation and collaboration in the banking sector.

Key points

  • President Mahama has challenged banks to introduce affordable housing loan products within six months.
  • The products must target households currently excluded from formal housing finance.
  • The President also called for pilot financing partnerships between the National Housing Fund, lenders, and developers.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.