African Home Building News 15 08 25

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, announced that the government will soon launch a large-scale road infrastructure programme that will require significant quantities of cement. He urged cement producers to align their prices with current economic realities, warning that suppliers who refuse to offer fair prices may be excluded from government contracts.

Agbodza emphasized that high cement costs increase the overall expense of public projects, ultimately burdening taxpayers. 
He noted that while the government is not imposing price controls, fair pricing—around GH¢95 per bag instead of the current GH¢120—is expected, especially given the stronger cedi and reduced import costs.

i2 Development Ghana Ltd, the developer behind the upscale Prestige project near Kotoka International Airport, has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System. 

The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to professionalism, quality, and customer satisfaction in the real estate sector. Co-Founder and Managing Director Youssef Aitour highlighted that the certification reflects the dedication of the team and reassures clients of the integrity and safety of its properties. 

The Prestige development, featuring modern amenities and sustainable design, sets a new standard for urban living, while i2 Development’s achievement encourages higher standards across Ghana’s real estate industry.

Ghana’s construction sector remains a cornerstone of the nation’s development, shaping urban landscapes and supporting economic growth. From major roads and bridges to modern housing estates, the industry has seen remarkable progress. Yet challenges persist, including high costs of building materials, limited skilled labor, and bureaucratic delays that slow project delivery.

Experts emphasize that sustained growth requires both public investment and private sector engagement, alongside strict adherence to quality standards. Initiatives like ISO certification for developers and the adoption of modern construction technologies are helping improve efficiency, safety, and project outcomes. Sustainable building practices, including energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly materials, are increasingly being embraced, reflecting global trends.

With Ghana’s population growing and urbanization accelerating, the construction industry offers immense opportunities for innovation, employment, and improved living standards. Meeting these demands while ensuring quality and sustainability will be critical to the sector’s contribution to the country’s long-term economic development.

China is grappling with a worsening housing crisis, marked by a record surplus of unsold real estate. As of June, completed but unsold residential space surged 6.5% to 408 million square meters, with another 441 million square meters still under construction. 

In response, Beijing is reportedly considering ending a 15-year restriction to allow major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to re-enter the property sector. These SOEs, such as China Resources and China Mobile, wield over 90 trillion yuan in assets, far outmatching the financial capabilities of local governments. 

However, they are unlikely to be exposed to significant property risk due to their strategic importance. Despite the central bank setting up a 300 billion yuan facility to help alleviate the crisis, uptake has been minimal—only 6% has been used—implying most of the inventory is financially unappealing. 

Reintegrating powerful SOEs signals Beijing's recognition that stronger intervention is needed, but it may still fall short of resolving the housing glut.

Source: Africa Home Building News -Joyceln Marigold