ISSER calls for reclassification of Ghana’s affordable housing initiatives
The Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) is urging for a reclassification of Ghana’s affordable housing initiatives to address the ongoing challenges faced by a significant portion of the population, particularly the average Ghanaian worker, in affording suitable properties.
The Ministry of Works and Housing reported a housing deficit of approximately 2 million units in 2020, with an annual demand exceeding 300,000 units.
This scarcity has resulted in the proliferation of sub-standard living conditions, overcrowding, and the emergence of informal settlements and slums nationwide.
During an interview with Citi Business News, ISSER’s Director, Prof. Peter Quartey, highlighted the current situation, emphasizing the prevalence of high-earning housing facilities concentrated in prime areas like East Legon.
Prof. Quartey emphasized the need to focus on low-income earners and construct affordable housing units tailored to their needs.
He suggested the development of single-bedroom and chamber-and-hall facilities as viable options within the means of the low-income population.
“All we have these days are the high-earned facilities and we find quite a number of such houses dotted in the prime areas such as East Legon. We can continue putting up such structures but we need to concentrate on the low-income earners as well.”
“If we want to improve or enhance housing for the poor then we need to target that sector of the economy. Let’s construct units that are affordable. We can look at more of the single bedrooms, chamber and hall facilities. Those are the sorts of houses they can afford,” he added.
Source: Ghana Business
