The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Koldo Casla, has concluded an official visit to Ghana, highlighting concerns that housing affordability may become a misnomer if policies do not address the needs of low-income earners. Casla welcomed recent policies on housing but noted that much of the construction in Accra seems to cater to speculative financial ends rather than satisfying the right to adequate housing. He observed flashy billboards promoting real estate investments at stratospheric prices, far beyond the reach of the average Ghanaian.
During his visit, Casla expressed admiration for Ghana's communal spirit and gratitude to the Ghanaian people for their hospitality. He praised Ghana's diplomatic leadership in relation to reparations for historical injustices. However, he urged the Ghanaian Government to acknowledge that the unaffordability of formally built housing forces many Ghanaians into informal settlements or substandard housing. About 31% of the urban population lives in informal settlements, with conservative estimates suggesting around 100,000 people are homeless, including 60,000 children.
Casla encouraged the authorities to listen to the needs of people living in poverty when designing public policies. He emphasized that the threat of forced evictions without prior consultation and proper compensation must end. More than a third of Ghanaians pay rent for their homes, with the proportion rising to over 40% in urban areas. The Special Rapporteur invited the Government to strengthen the Rent Control Department and relevant institutional mechanisms to monitor and limit rent increases, protecting tenants from extortionate rent advances.
The Special Rapporteur noted the damaging effects of climate change on northern communities affected by droughts, southern communities suffering from flooding, and informal settlements struggling with rising temperatures. He stressed that authorities must prioritize local governments' preparedness to mitigate the worst effects of flooding and other climate-related disasters. The international community should support these efforts in the spirit of common but differentiated responsibilities.
Casla praised Ghana's leadership in advocating for the recognition of historical injustices, such as slavery and colonialism. He also acknowledged Ghana's democratic stability in the region since the early 1990s. The Special Rapporteur urged Ghana to lead by example in the right to housing, emphasizing that West Africa needs Ghana's human rights leadership.
The Special Rapporteur observed that many properties in Accra remain vacant, suggesting that construction in wealthy areas caters to speculative financial ends rather than addressing the housing needs of the population. He urged the government to address the needs of the working people with low incomes, who make up the majority of the population. Casla will present a detailed report on his visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.
Casla's visit highlighted the need for Ghana to prioritize affordable housing for low-income earners. He emphasized that the government must take concrete steps to address the housing crisis, including strengthening institutional mechanisms to protect tenants and prioritizing climate resilience. The Special Rapporteur's report will provide recommendations for Ghana to improve its housing policies and ensure that the right to adequate housing is protected for all.
Key points
- The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Koldo Casla, has urged the Ghanaian Government to prioritize affordable housing for low-income earners.
- About 31% of Ghana's urban population lives in informal settlements, with around 100,000 people homeless, including 60,000 children.
- Casla will present a detailed report on his visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027, providing recommendations for Ghana to improve its housing policies.
