The Ghana Real Estate Development Association (GREDA) has urged the government to collaborate with private developers in creating land banks to address the country’s pressing housing challenges.
Kojo Biney, a member of GREDA’s Executive Council, highlighted these issues during the NorvanReports X Space Discussion, themed “Enabling the Private Sector: Infrastructure, Energy, and Logistics.”
Biney pointed out that land ownership disputes remain a significant hurdle for developers in Ghana. He cited instances where developers are forced to repurchase the same parcels of land due to conflicting ownership claims, despite possessing valid documentation.
“Developers are buying the same piece of land repeatedly because someone else has a claim to it. Government intervention in creating secure land banks is essential,” Biney said.
Biney emphasized that government-provided land banks with pre-installed infrastructure—such as electricity, water, and roads, could reduce housing costs by up to 30%.
“Serviced plots with basic amenities would significantly lower the cost of developing homes, making them more affordable for Ghanaians,” he explained.
Biney criticized previous government-led affordable housing initiatives for their inefficiency and high costs. He noted that despite receiving free land and resources, government projects often constructed homes more expensive than those developed privately.
To ensure a long-term solution, Biney called for a partnership between the government and traditional authorities across the country. He suggested leveraging land donations from chiefs and expanding infrastructure development beyond Accra to create equitable housing opportunities nationwide.
GREDA’s proposal underscores the need for a coordinated approach to address Ghana’s housing crisis. By establishing land banks and incentivizing private developers, the government could create a pathway to affordable and sustainable housing that benefits both developers and homebuyers.
