In a candid discussion on JoyNews’ PM Express, Ghana’s Works and Housing Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has shed light on the pressing need for a more effective approach to address the nation’s daunting housing deficit, currently pegged at a staggering 1.8 million units. Nkrumah emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that it demands proactive intervention from policymakers to alleviate the housing shortage gripping the nation. Expressing concerns over the inadequacy of the current architectural framework employed to bridge the housing gap, Nkrumah underscored its limitations in effectively tackling the issue at hand.
Highlighting the stark disparity between the magnitude of the challenge and the resources allocated, Nkrumah revealed that the Housing Directorate of the Ministry comprises a mere seven staff members. “In my view, the architecture that we have used over the years to tackle it has not been robust enough. Here at the Housing Ministry, we only have a staff of seven in the Housing Directorate,” Nkrumah remarked during the interview.
“Seven people to tackle a housing deficit of 1.8 million is on the low side. And I think this speaks to the kind of architecture that we’re using because we need to develop a policy framework that makes it easier for the private sector to come on board and work with you. And so from our side as a Ministry, we need to do more,” he added. Assuming the role of Minister for Works and Housing, Nkrumah expressed his commitment to bolstering the Ministry’s capacity by advocating for the inclusion of additional professionals such as land economists, surveyors, architects, and planning experts. According to Nkrumah, this strategic move aims to enhance the Directorate’s capabilities and formulate a comprehensive strategy to confront the housing deficit head-on.
The housing crisis in Ghana remains a significant challenge, with millions of citizens grappling with inadequate housing conditions. The government’s acknowledgment of the urgency and severity of the issue signals a step towards addressing this critical concern. In light of the Minister’s call for a more robust strategy, stakeholders across various sectors are urged to rally together in support of initiatives aimed at bridging the housing gap and fostering inclusive urban development across the nation.
