The Works and Housing Ministry says the National Housing Plan will resolve the numerous challenges bedeviling the housing sector and various individuals in the country.
Sector Minister, Samuel Atta-Akyea revealed that, the housing plan is currently at it conclusive stage after going through some stakeholder consultative assessment.
“It is therefore, appropriate for us to take stock of our accomplishments and challenges in the areas of the National Housing Policies and Programmes and ensure that our vision is properly understood by all, and effectively implemented, to urgently address the crucial aspect of housing affordability”.
He made this revelation to mark world Habitat Day, which was held virtually on the theme: “Housing for All: A Better Urban Future”, organised by the Ministry of Works and Housing in collaboration with the UN-Habitat, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ministry of Inner City and Zongo Development.
Government, according to Mr. Atta-Akyea, is currently adopting a multifaceted approach to not only mobilize funds domestically, but internationally to support the Housing sector.
The Ghana Affordable Housing was highlighted by the sector minister as it endeavors to provide adequate, decent and affordable housing to low and middle income earners.
“Government is committed to achieving our targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ghana believes that the effective implementation of the 17 SDGs remains critical to making the multilateral system relevant in addressing the global challenges we face. Indeed, one such challenge is the threat to the consolidation to achieve SDG 11: Inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities”.
He said affordable homes created a big challenge not only to the Housing Ministry, but also to all collaborating Ministries, the business community and civil society.
Corroborating the Housing Minister’s remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani, noted that housing was an integral human right and as such the current pandemic has proven the essence of reducing inequalities and poverty levels and basically providing affordable housing for all and sundry.
Meanwhile, EcoBank has pledged to use the Joy News Habitat Fair to enhance mortgage financing in the country.
The bank which is this year introducing the 11th Joy News Habitat Fair intends making the event a memorable one, and notably linking many potential home owners who have been dreaming for several years to own properties.
Executive Director of Finance and Consumer Banking, Dr. Edward Botchway, defined various packages for all income earners, which will enable many Ghanaians to own houses with ease.
“A good mortgage has always been key. What we’ve done is to put together housing financing products that would enable everyone to be able to secure a home without much struggle. We have put together all the stakeholders to facilitate the necessary documentations to assist prospective customers to acquire different types of apartments and mansions.
“And indeed you need not be a customer of Ecobank. Just walk into any Ecobank branch and we would provide you with the financial support to acquire your dream home with ease. So, this is something that we’re very committed to doing for many potential property owners,” he pointed out.
