Works And Housing Ministry Readies 51K Acres Land For Development

The Ministry of Works and Housing (MWH) has made available 51,000 acres of its lands for development.

During a press briefing on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that this land availability is part of government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable urban development and provide adequate housing solutions for Ghanaians. He stated,

“With 51,000 acres of land at our disposal, we are poised to take substantial steps toward meeting the housing needs of our growing population.”

The vast land holdings will be utilized for various housing projects, including affordable housing units aimed at public servants, and to facilitate the government’s District Housing Programme. Nkrumah highlighted that the initiative is essential for attracting private sector investment and encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the housing sector.

“Securing adequate land for development is a critical component of our strategy to alleviate the housing deficit, which currently stands at approximately 1.8 million units,” the Minister said. He pointed out that the government is actively working to streamline land acquisition processes to remove barriers that have historically impeded real estate development.

He said as part of this initiative, the Ministry will engage with traditional authorities and local communities to ensure that land is allocated effectively and that developments meet the needs of those living in the areas. “We are committed to ensuring that our developments are not only functional but also enhance the quality of life for residents,” Nkrumah noted.

The announcement of available land comes at a time when the government is also focused on revitalizing stalled housing projects, such as the Koforidua Affordable Housing Project and the Saglemi Housing Project. Nkrumah reiterated that resolving these projects is crucial for providing decent housing options for Ghanaians.

Additionally, the Minister expressed optimism about the role of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) in facilitating sustainable financing for housing developments on the available land. “The GIIF will be instrumental in creating innovative financing solutions that will support our housing initiatives and attract private sector involvement,” he explained.

The Ministry is also advancing its National Homeownership Fund (NHF), which has successfully partnered with commercial banks to launch National Mortgage Schemes, further aiding in the provision of affordable housing.

Source:inquirernewsroom.com