The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) is calling for informal settlements across the country to be improved with basic services and better housing, instead of relying mainly on moving people out of their communities.
The proposal forms part of the Institute’s recommendations for Ghana’s housing sector as the country marks World Architecture Day 2026 under the theme, “Housing is a Human Right. Build It.”
In a communiqué, the GIA urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to include the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy 2026–2035 in their development plans and budgets.
It said efforts to improve informal settlements should first focus on basic needs such as water, sanitation, drainage, roads and fire safety, as well as improving the condition of homes.
The Institute also wants residents to be involved in decisions about how their communities are improved. Where it is possible and safe, it wants in-situ upgrading, meaning communities are improved without moving residents elsewhere.
The call comes after the government launched the National Urban Policy 2026–2035 and the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy in July. The two frameworks are intended to guide how Ghana manages its growing towns and cities, including efforts to improve existing informal settlements and prevent new ones from emerging.
The strategy also focuses on issues such as poor infrastructure, security of land tenure and the involvement of communities in upgrading projects. Government has called on local authorities to turn the policies into development plans, budgets and measurable actions.
Ghana is facing rapid urban growth alongside a housing deficit of more than 1.8 million units. Government has identified affordable housing, inclusive urban development and the improvement of informal settlements as part of its housing and urban development priorities.
For the GIA, improving communities that already exist should be part of a wider approach to housing. The Institute says adequate housing is not only about putting up new houses, but also about ensuring people have access to safe and decent places to live.
It has therefore called for different housing options for different groups, including homeownership, support for people who build their homes gradually, affordable rental housing and targeted social housing.
The GIA is also calling for a review of the National Housing Policy, 2015, to bring it in line with the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan 2026–2035.
It wants the revised policy to include clear housing targets, defined responsibilities for institutions, reliable funding and regular public reporting on progress.
The proposals come as affordability remains a major challenge in Ghana’s housing market, with construction costs, limited access to long-term financing and mortgage costs making it difficult for many households to secure adequate housing.
The National Homeownership Fund is scheduled to hold a National Conference on Housing Finance from October 7 to 8, 2026. The conference is expected to bring together government, financial institutions, developers and other stakeholders to discuss ways of improving access to housing finance.
The GIA said it is ready to work with government, MMDAs, communities, developers, financiers and other professionals to support the delivery of affordable and climate-responsive housing.
