Ghana’s housing deficit has surpassed 1.8 million units, raising serious concerns about the availability of adequate accommodation, particularly for low- and middle-income households.
The Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, highlighted affordability as a major obstacle preventing many Ghanaians from buying or renting decent homes, even as demand continues to surge in the country’s major cities.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, the minister described the situation as alarming, noting that rapid urbanisation is putting immense pressure on the nation’s limited housing stock.
“Currently, over half of Ghana’s population resides in urban areas, and this figure is projected to rise to more than 72 percent by 2050. Cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi are feeling the strain,” he said.
Mr. Adjei explained that housing development has lagged behind population growth, leading to overcrowding, rising property prices, and the proliferation of informal settlements.
“The demand for housing in our urban centres continues to increase, but supply has not kept pace, creating serious challenges in terms of affordability and accessibility for ordinary Ghanaians,” he added.
The minister also noted that the government is implementing coordinated strategies to address both the shortage and cost of housing, with an emphasis on sustainable urban planning and active private sector involvement.
He stressed that reducing the housing deficit is crucial for improving living standards and supporting Ghana’s broader development objectives.
