Ghana’s housing crisis has deepened, with the national housing deficit now estimated at more than 1.8 million units, as rapid urbanisation, rising property prices and affordability constraints continue to shut many low- and middle-income earners out of decent accommodation.
The Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, disclosed this while addressing the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, warning that the widening gap between housing demand and supply is placing growing pressure on households and urban infrastructure.
More than half of Ghana’s population currently lives in urban areas, a figure projected to exceed 72 per cent by 2050, according to the minister. He noted that cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi are already under intense strain as housing supply struggles to keep pace with demand driven by rural-to-urban migration in search of economic opportunities.
“Ghana continues to grapple with a substantial housing deficit, currently estimated at over 1.8 million units,” Mr Adjei said. “This gap is further exacerbated by widespread affordability challenges, which prevent a large portion of the population, particularly low- and middle-income earners, from accessing safe, secure and dignified housing.”
He cautioned that the mismatch has resulted in overcrowding, escalating rents and property prices, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, underscoring the need for coordinated, forward-looking policies that address both supply and affordability while promoting sustainable urban development.
Amid growing public concern over rising rents and limited access to affordable housing, the minister said government is intensifying efforts to close the deficit through a pipeline of housing projects across the country, while repositioning state housing agencies as active players in the housing market.
As part of these efforts, TDC Ghana Limited is constructing 800 housing units at Tema Community 26 under the Borteyman–Orchard–Mataheko affordable housing project. The company has also launched the Oxygen City Housing Project in Ho, a 1,000-unit development on about 1,000 acres, expected to be completed by June 2027. The project, TDC’s first major development outside the Tema enclave, is planned as a fully serviced community with schools, healthcare facilities, retail outlets and recreational infrastructure.
Progress has also been made on the long-delayed Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, which has moved closer to completion following the signing of head-of-terms and joint venture agreements that are currently under review by the Attorney General.
The minister said State Housing Company projects at Amrahia and SHC Gardens are about 68 per cent and 70 per cent complete, respectively. In addition, the National Homeownership Fund has completed 129 housing units at Tema Community 22, with a further 50 units at Shai Hills expected by mid-year.
Beyond new construction, government is redeveloping prime public lands to expand housing for public servants. Under the Government Redevelopment Programme, 625 housing units are at various stages of completion, with 195 units already delivered at Roman Ridge, Labone and La Tebe-Okuasi.
To decentralise housing delivery and improve access outside major urban centres, the ministry has also rolled out a pilot Greenville District Housing Programme in eight districts, using cost-efficient construction methods.
Rental affordability remains a parallel concern. Mr Adjei said the National Rental Assistance Scheme supported rent advances for 2,031 beneficiaries in 2025, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,732 since its launch. The scheme currently records a recovery rate of about 99 per cent, with plans underway to expand it nationwide.
He added that proposed amendments to Ghana’s rent laws are progressing, aimed at modernising regulation, strengthening tenant protection and incentivising private sector investment in rental housing.
According to the minister, the combined interventions are expected to improve social stability, enhance urban productivity and support long-term economic growth.
