Works and Housing Minister proposes national housing levy to fund affordable homes
The Minister for Works and Housing, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for the introduction of a national housing levy to help fund the construction of affordable homes and address Ghana’s estimated housing deficit of 1.8 million units.
Ghana's Works and Housing Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has advocated for a national housing levy to finance the construction of affordable homes and tackle the country's estimated 1.8 million housing deficit. During a visit to the State Housing Company, the minister proposed a dedicated levy as a sustainable funding source for state-led housing projects, particularly for young people struggling to find decent accommodation.
He suggested a model similar to Kenya's National Housing Levy, which generates tax revenue for housing development. Despite potential public resistance, the minister emphasized the long-term benefits of addressing housing shortages. He highlighted Kenya's success with a tax-funded housing program, which has built 200,000 homes annually.
The minister challenged Ghana to adopt a similar approach to increase housing construction. He emphasized the need for political cooperation to prioritize housing as a national development issue, rather than a partisan one. Ibrahim identified housing, water, and employment as fundamental needs, arguing that housing investment could also combat youth unemployment.
He proposed engaging TVET students in the construction sector to create jobs and increase housing supply.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
