Headlines of African HomeBuilding News
Ministry for Works and Housing unveils plans to address Ghana’s housing deficit.
UN Resident Coordinator emphasizes the need for urban planning policies in Ghana to prioritize environmental sustainability
Barclays Report Highlights Right-Sizing to Ease UK Housing Crisi
Senior Advisor to the Minister for Works and Housing, Jesse Agyepong has unveiled plans by the ministry to address Ghana’s housing deficit.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb TV at the 2024 IFC EDGE Students Design Competition, Agyepong highlighted the critical need for innovative solutions to tackle the country’s housing challenges.
Currently, Ghana’s housing deficit stands at approximately 1.8 million units, with current construction rates of 30,000 to 40,000 homes per year falling short of the demand.
To bridge this gap, Agyepong announced the launch of a district housing project aimed at mitigating rural-urban migration and providing accommodation for essential workers like nurses and teachers. These homes will incorporate advanced technologies focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and other sustainable practices. Agyepong said it is important to foster innovation from educational institutions to ensure that future businesses are equipped to contribute effectively to the housing sector.
These homes will incorporate advanced technologies focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and other sustainable practices.
The solutions for the future come right from the campuses, from the young people, to ensure that by the time they grow into fully-fledged businesses, we are doing something right. So our growth in the housing sector has got to be holistic.
Mr. Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator has emphasized the need for urban planning policies in Ghana to prioritize environmental sustainability by promoting energy-efficient infrastructure, waste management, and green public transport.
Speaking at the 12th Ghana Flower and Garden Show in Accra, he highlighted the importance of sustainable and liveable cities. The event, themed “Green the Nation, Feed the Nation, Grow the Nation,” focused on sustainability and gardening innovations.
Mr. Abani also urged the government to provide incentives for green building standards and to promote the growth of green industries. Additionally, Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah advocated for urban gardening to combat rising food prices.
The Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo (GPLE) has announced its 2024 global series, kicking off in Washington, DC, at The Royal Sonesta Hotel, followed by London at the Pestana Hotel, Chelsea Bridge, and concluding in Accra at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge. This international event will showcase Ghana’s flourishing real estate, tourism, and lifestyle sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and explore profitable investment opportunities in Ghana. The Expo will feature dynamic panel discussions and interactive sessions, highlighting the rapid expansion of the country’s real estate and lifestyle markets. With Accra’s property scene booming, luxury properties are in high demand, and neighbourhoods like Cantonments have earned global recognition, as recently ranked by Time Out magazine among the top 40 neighbourhoods worldwide.
The event, themed “Diligently Building Wealth Through Ghana Real Estate: The Future of Property Investment,” will provide a comprehensive outlook on real estate, tourism, and lifestyle opportunities in Ghana.
Co-organised by Anna and Victoria Agyekum, founders of On Point Property Management Ltd, the Expo will host government agencies, guest speakers, and industry professionals who will offer insights into property investment, legal advice, financial planning, and tourism.
The Barclays Property Insights report, “Right-sizing Revolution: unlocking untapped capacity in the housing market,” highlights that while building new homes is critical, incentivising “right-sizing” could also help address the UK’s housing crisis.
The report notes that 85% of owner-occupied homes in England and Wales are underoccupied, with many having one or more spare bedrooms. Encouraging homeowners to move to smaller homes could increase housing availability for families and younger buyers.
Barclays’ analysis reveals that 1.7 million households are open to right-sizing in the next 1-2 years, with the potential to grow to 3.8 million with proper policy incentives.
Emotional attachment to homes is a key barrier, as many under-occupiers are reluctant to move due to sentimental reasons, with only 20% feeling an obligation to free up space for others. Thus, strong incentives would be needed to motivate this shift and alleviate the housing shortage.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – African Home Building News
