Property Express News 29 08 25

The President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Dr James Condua Orleans-Lindsay, has urged stakeholders in the housing industry to prioritise research and innovation as the surest way to reduce the cost of homes and make them accessible to more Ghanaians.

Speaking at the opening of the Daily Graphic/GREDA Home Fair in Accra today, Dr Orleans-Lindsay, who is also the Executive Chairman of JL Properties, challenged the sector to move beyond rhetoric about Ghana’s two-million-unit housing deficit and focus on affordability.

“A lot has been said about the deficit, but the real question is how affordable is affordable? We need houses that are tailor-made for our pockets. If we are catering for just a small number of people, then we are not doing our duty as developers,” he said.

Drawing lessons from an engagement with Chinese partners, he noted that Ghana’s construction methods were decades behind. “After showing them our projects, they commended us but reminded me that what we are doing today is what China was doing 20 years ago. Why? Because we are not researching into materials and methods that can bring housing costs down,” Dr Orleans-Lindsay said.

He called on industry players to explore lighter and cost-effective materials rather than continuing to rely solely on sand and cement. According to him, fairs such as the one being organised with Daily Graphic provide an opportunity for developers, financiers, and stakeholders to collaborate, but real progress would only come with deliberate investment in research.

Dr James Condua Orleans-Lindsay, President of GREDA, has emphasised sustainability and workforce development as critical factors in advancing Ghana’s housing sector. Speaking at the Daily Graphic/GREDA Home Fair, he disclosed that JL Properties is planting 500,000 trees to replace hardwood used in construction.

“Sustainability and smart homes should be looked at in a broader context. It is not just about fashionable terms but about practical action,” he stressed.Dr Orleans-Lindsay further urged developers to strengthen their workforce and competitiveness, warning that foreign artisans were beginning to dominate the sector due to their efficiency and skill levels. “We say Ghanaians are hardworking, and we are, but there is a doubt. Many West African artisans are more serious and are bringing a lot of research-driven approaches into the system,” he observed.

He also expressed appreciation to the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), MTN, and other partners for consistently creating platforms to showcase housing innovations, pledging GREDA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable housing delivery.

The three-day fair, held under the theme “Technology-Enabled and Eco-Friendly Housing: Now and the Future,” is expected to provide a one-stop marketplace for affordable housing solutions, financing options, and smart living innovations.

Mr. Basil David Anthony, CEO of Modern Floors and Walls Ghana, has been honoured with the prestigious CEO of the Year Award at the Global Trade & Business Awards 2025. The ceremony took place at the Accra Marriott Hotel on Friday, 22nd August 2025, and was organised by OM Holdings.

The award recognises Mr. Basil’s exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the Home Décor industry. The organisers highlighted his dedication, vision, and the remarkable impact he has had, setting new standards of excellence within the sector.

Under his guidance, Modern Floors and Walls has expanded from a local Ghanaian flooring company into an international brand with operations across Africa and the UAE, providing innovative flooring, waterproofing, and interior finishing solutions.

Ukraine's housing sector has been among the hardest hit by the ongoing conflict, with an estimated 13% of homes damaged or destroyed by the end of 2024. The World Bank projects that rebuilding the nation's housing will require approximately $83.7 billion over the next decade. In response, innovative solutions are being explored to address the housing crisis.

The "Housing for Ukraine" initiative, for example, involves allocating land for construction and utilizing modular housing units to provide shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Additionally, the S3RoU consortium is piloting a method to recycle rubble from bombed buildings into new concrete, aiming to reduce environmental impact and address the high logistical costs of importing raw materials during the ongoing conflict. (ГМК, digitalstate.gov.ua, The Times)
International support for Ukraine's housing reconstruction is also evident.

 The European Union has committed €2.3 billion in agreements, aiming to unlock up to €10 billion in investments to rebuild homes, reopen hospitals, revive businesses, and secure energy. While the challenges are immense, these efforts reflect a concerted international commitment to rebuilding Ukraine's housing sector and providing displaced citizens with safe and sustainable living conditions.