Republic Bank Ghana, JoyNews launch 2026 Habitat Fair

Republic Bank Ghana and JoyNews, a key player in the Multimedia Group Limited, have officially unveiled plans for the 2026 Habitat Fair. Republic Bank is taking up the role of the lead sponsor for this event. The annual Habitat Fair, a joint venture of JoyNews and Republic Bank, is a significant housing and lifestyle exhibition that unites various stakeholders from Ghana’s housing sector. This includes financial institutions, developers, homeowners, and service providers.

During the launch event, Frank Oppong Yeboah, the Manager responsible for Mortgages at Republic Bank Ghana, shared some insightful advice with prospective homeowners. He emphasized the importance of aligning one’s housing aspirations with their financial capacity rather than succumbing to excessive debt. “It’s not advisable to take on a loan to build a four-bedroom, two-story house all at once,” he cautioned.

“You can start with a one-bedroom, living, and dining space equipped with all necessary amenities. As your income grows, you can gradually expand.”

Mr. Yeboah further highlighted that adopting a gradual approach to homeownership could prevent individuals from putting undue pressure on their finances. Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, the Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana, also shared his perspective on the challenges plaguing Ghana’s housing sector. He pointed out that affordability stands as one of the most significant hurdles.

According to Dr. Dzoboku, the issue extends beyond merely having enough housing units, particularly as Ghana’s population continues to grow and urban areas expand. “Ghana’s housing deficit, estimated at 1.8 million units in 2015, has been exacerbated by rapid population growth and urbanization,” he explained. Addressing this gap, he stressed, necessitates a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, developers, and service providers.

Francis Fiifi Koomson, the General Manager of Joy Brands at Multimedia Group Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Republic Bank. He expressed confidence that this collaboration could positively influence Ghana’s housing industry while creating opportunities for both organizations. The formalization of this partnership was witnessed as Multimedia Group General Manager for Sales, David Max-Fugar, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Republic Bank Ghana.

This agreement aims to support the activities leading up to this year’s Habitat Fair, set to take place later in 2026.