President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for the construction of a 1,000 unit Green City Housing Project at Dedesua in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, describing the initiative as a critical intervention in Ghana’s growing housing crisis.
Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony, the President said the project marks the beginning of a new phase in Ghana’s housing development agenda and reflects government’s commitment to expanding affordable and sustainable housing across the country.
The project is situated on 200 acres of land made available by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whom the President praised for his continued dedication to the welfare and advancement of the Ashanti Kingdom.
“The decision to site this project here is both symbolic and fitting, and we are very grateful for your generosity in making this land available”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Ghana’s Housing Deficit Deepening
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s housing challenges have become increasingly severe over the years due to rapid urbanization, rising land prices, escalating construction costs, and limited access to long term financing.
According to him, the country’s housing deficit has now exceeded 1.5 million units, leaving many Ghanaians unable to access decent accommodation. “This reflects years of failing supply short of demand,” he said.
The President warned that without urgent and large scale interventions, Ghana’s growing urban population could worsen pressure on housing infrastructure, particularly in major cities.
“Today, more than half of the population of Ghana lives in urban areas, and projections indicate that this could rise to about 70 percent of our population living in urban areas by the year 2050”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He added that cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi continue to experience increasing migration from other parts of the country, making the need for sustainable housing development more urgent. “We do not therefore act urgently and at scale to accommodate what we are experiencing today,” he cautioned.
Green City to Deliver Modern Housing Community
President Mahama described the Green City Housing Project as a modern and integrated community designed to combine quality housing with environmental sustainability.
According to him, the project will provide more than 1,000 housing units while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity within the Bosomtwe District.
“This housing project is situated on 200 acres of land generously made available by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. This project will deliver more than 1,000 housing units within a carefully planned and integrated community.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President explained that the development is intended to go beyond shelter by creating a safe, affordable, and dignified environment for residents. “It is about building a complete, liveable community that is safe, affordable, and dignified.”
He further indicated that the project would support local businesses and generate lasting economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Diaspora Ghanaians Encouraged to Invest
President Mahama encouraged Ghanaians living abroad to take advantage of the housing project, assuring them of transparency, proper land documentation, and legal security.
According to him, many diaspora Ghanaians have previously faced challenges after sending money home for construction projects that were either abandoned or affected by land disputes.
“It is my hope that Ghanaians living abroad in the diaspora will take advantage of it,” he stated. The President recalled stories of individuals sending funds to relatives only to discover that no real construction had taken place.
“Here you will get your house built for you, complete. You collect your key, there is no litigation on the land, nobody will come and demolish your house. And so this land is free of litigation, and you know that when SHC hands over your key to you, the house is yours forever and ever”.
President John Dramani Mahama
More Housing Projects Planned
President Mahama disclosed that the Asantehene has also agreed to release another parcel of land to the Tema Development Corporation for the construction of a similar housing project in Kumasi.
According to him, the government is expanding housing initiatives beyond Accra and Tema to ensure nationwide access to affordable homes. “A few months ago we were in Ho to cut sod for their new housing project in Ho,” he said.
“The next destination is Ashanti and Otumfuo has already indicated that he is going to give them land to come and build a TDC housing project here in Kumasi.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President stressed that housing development remains central to the government’s broader social and economic agenda. “Housing is dignity expressed in concrete and iron,” he stated. “It is a foundation upon which communities grow and nations thrive.”
Government to Support Infrastructure Costs
President Mahama also announced that government would absorb the cost of constructing roads, drains, and gutters within the estate under the Big Push Programme to help reduce overall housing costs.
According to him, taking over these infrastructure expenses would allow the State Housing Company Limited to deliver homes at more affordable prices.
“I will inform the Roads Minister so that we will take up all the roads and drains in this estate under the Big Push Programme. If we do not do that they will have to add the cost onto the houses and that makes the houses more expensive.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President commended the leadership and staff of the State Housing Company for reviving the institution’s role in national housing delivery. “Since independence, SHC has over the last 70 years been the largest single provider of housing to Ghanaians,” he said.
President Mahama expressed confidence that the first phase of the Green City Housing Project would be completed on schedule and indicated his intention to return next year for its commissioning.
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