President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of a 1,000-unit Green City housing project at Dedesua in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region as part of government’s broader agenda to address Ghana’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable homes.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama described access to decent housing as critical to national development, stressing that government is implementing a comprehensive housing agenda aimed at improving affordability, strengthening housing finance and ensuring equitable access to housing across the country.
“Access to housing improves public health, strengthens educational outcomes, boosts productivity and stabilizes communities. A nation that seeks development must house its people with dignity,” the President stated.
He announced that government, in collaboration with organized labour, SSNIT, the Bank of Ghana and private sector partners, is establishing a GH¢3 billion revolving housing fund to support affordable home ownership.
Under the arrangement, housing companies including the State Housing Company (SHC) will access financing to build homes, while banks provide long-term mortgages to workers over a 15 to 20-year repayment period.
President Mahama further disclosed that the houses under the scheme would be priced in Ghana cedis instead of dollars to protect homeowners from exchange rate fluctuations.
“This is a Ghanaian solution designed for our Ghanaian reality,” he said.
The Green City project, spearheaded by the State Housing Company Limited, is a planned 200-acre eco-friendly housing development designed to combine modern architecture with environmental sustainability.
Located about 30 minutes from Kumasi, the project will include one, two and three-bedroom apartments, semi-detached homes, executive residences, playgrounds, parks, shopping centres, restaurants, fitness centres and other social amenities.
Phase one of the project will cover 36.25 acres and comprise 214 housing units, including 158 two-bedroom and 56 three-bedroom homes.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene described the project as a bold intervention that would provide quality and affordable housing while creating employment opportunities for the youth and local contractors.
“This Green City project is a bold step in the right direction by providing over 1,000 housing units that are environmentally conscious and structured to provide decent living conditions for citizens,” he stated.
Managing Director of the State Housing Company, Sharif Bawa, said the houses would be over 20 percent cheaper than comparable homes on the market due to innovations, technology and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing construction and financing costs.
He explained that the project forms part of SHC’s medium-term strategy to provide affordable housing in thriving communities while repositioning the company as Ghana’s leading housing developer.
Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, noted that the project reflects government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and climate-conscious housing delivery.
He described the Green City project as one of the most ambitious housing interventions in recent years and said it would serve as a model for future government-backed housing projects nationwide.
Representing the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, commended government and the State Housing Company for advancing the project, noting that it would create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the Ashanti Region.
He urged implementers to ensure affordability, transparency, quality infrastructure and timely delivery of the project to meet public expectations.
The Green City project is expected to significantly contribute to efforts to reduce Ghana’s estimated 1.8 million housing deficit while promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
