By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, May 9, GNA – In line with Government’s efforts to address Ghana’s housing deficit, President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday broke ground for the construction of the Green City Housing Project at Dedesua near Kumasi.
The more than 1,000-unit housing project is situated on a 200-acre parcel of land at Dedesua in the Bosomtwi District of the Ashanti Region, generously provided by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The project is being executed by the State Housing Company Limited (SHCL) and is designed to combine modern architecture with environmental sustainability, setting a new benchmark for urban development in Ghana.
President Mahama, in his remarks, said the Ashanti Kingdom remained the enduring heart of Ghana’s cultural heritage, defined by resilience, wisdom and a deep commitment to progress.
He said the decision to site the project at Dedesua was both symbolic and fitting, and expressed profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for making the land available.
The President described the gesture as another demonstration of the Asantehene’s unwavering dedication to the welfare and advancement of his people.
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s housing challenge had become more pronounced and demanded clarity of purpose and decisive action.
“Our national housing deficit is now estimated at over 1.5 million units. This reflects years of supply failing supply short of demand,” he said.
He cited rising land values, escalating construction costs and limited access to long-term financing as factors that had pushed home ownership beyond the reach of many Ghanaians.
“The result is clear, informal settlements continue to expand, slams and too many of our people are living in substandard conditions.
The President reiterated that the pressure was being intensified by rapid urbanisation, noting that more than half of Ghana’s population currently lived in urban areas.
“Projections indicate that by 2050, about 70 per cent of our population will be living in urban areas,” he said, adding that cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi would continue to experience rapid population growth due to migration.
President Mahama said the Government’s Reset Agenda was not merely a slogan but a firm commitment to rethink the delivery of housing, infrastructure and opportunity for the people.
At the centre of that vision, he said, was the belief that decent housing was not a privilege for a few but a right for all Ghanaians.
He said access to decent housing improved public health, enhanced educational outcomes, boosted productivity and strengthened community stability.
“A nation that is seeking development must house its people with dignity,” he emphasised.
He said Government was implementing a comprehensive housing agenda to increase supply, improve affordability, strengthen tenant protection and reform housing finance to reflect Ghanaian income realities.
President Mahama said progress was already being made, noting that the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, initiated during a previous NDC administration, was being prioritised for completion.
He announced that the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) would soon begin a new housing project in Kumasi, adding that in 2025 he cut the sod for another TDC housing project in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.
He also disclosed that a new district-level social housing initiative was being rolled out to reduce financial barriers to home ownership.
“We are also pursuing geographical equity. Housing must not be confined to only major cities. Regional and district capitals must also benefit from our housing initiatives,” the President said.
He said a low-cost housing scheme for public sector workers was being implemented in collaboration with organised labour and financial institutions, stressing that nurses, teachers, doctors and civil servants must have access to safe and dignified homes.
The President noted that despite ongoing interventions, the housing deficit remained significant, making the Green City Housing Project a timely and critical intervention.
Beyond providing homes, he said the project would create jobs, stimulate local enterprise and generate sustained economic opportunities across the Bosomtwi District.
“This is not just about shelter, it is about building a completely verbal community that is safe, affordable and dignified.” President Mahama said.
“To our partners and private investors, this project signals Ghana’s commitment to transparency, predictability and partnership.”
President Mahama said properties in the Green City were going to be available to all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad.
He therefore urged Ghanaians living abroad in the diaspora to take advantage of the Project to purchase houses for themselves.
“Here you will get your house built for you complete, you collect your key, there is no litigation on the land, nobody will come and demolish your house.”
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, Mamponghene, who represented the Asantehene at the ceremony, issued a strong warning to chiefs and individuals against any attempt to interfere with lands earmarked for the project.
President Mahama, responding to an appeal by Mr John Sheriff Bawah, Managing Director of the State Housing Company Limited, directed the Minister of Roads and Highways to absorb the cost of constructing roads and drainage systems at the project site under Government’s infrastructure flagship programme, The Big Push.
“If we do not do this, the cost will be added to the houses and make them more expensive,” the President said.
“The Government will therefore take up the cost of building all roads, gutters and drains in this estate under the Big Push programme.”
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah