Six in 10 Ghanaians need state support to own a decent home – Gov’t

Six out of ten Ghanaians require government assistance to purchase a decent home, according to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. These figures were disclosed during the observation of World Habitat Day 2026, which focused on the theme "Adequate Housing for All".

The government attributes the housing shortage to factors such as soaring land prices, escalating construction and infrastructure expenses, and restricted access to affordable housing finance.

To alleviate the housing crisis, the government is collaborating with private developers to allocate land, establish essential infrastructure, and identify reliable off-takers. A key initiative aimed at homebuyers is the National Mortgage Scheme, a partnership between the National Housing Fund and Republic Bank. This scheme offers mortgages at an annual interest rate of approximately 8.4 percent, with repayment terms extending up to 20 years. The scheme is specifically tailored for individuals excluded from the conventional mortgage market.

Additionally, the ministries highlighted two initiatives to expand housing opportunities beyond urban centers: the Greenville District Housing Programme and the National Rental Assistance Scheme. However, the statement lacks specific data on the number of beneficiaries or the projected timeline for these programs. The ministries emphasized that ground-floor units in ongoing housing developments are being set aside for individuals with disabilities, and relevant agencies have been instructed to engage with disability groups to incorporate accessibility considerations into the planning and design phases of projects.

Furthermore, inclusivity measures are being incorporated into the ongoing evaluation of the National Housing Policy.