On Wednesday, 31st July 2024, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the current Minister of Works and Housing in Ghana, had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the 2024 BUSIA Institute Lecture. The lecture, held at a prestigious venue, was themed “Housing the Future: Innovative Approaches to Rural Development in Ghana.”
In his address, Hon. Oppong Nkrumah highlighted the pressing need for a paradigm shift within Ghana’s housing sector to achieve substantial progress over the next 15 years. He proposed a comprehensive five-part solution to address the challenges and opportunities in rural housing development:
- Getting the Data Right: Hon. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the necessity for accurate and dynamic data to inform housing policies and programs. To this end, he advocated for the reform of the Research, Statistics, and Information Management Directorate at the Ministry of Works and Housing. This reform is aimed at improving data collection and analysis, ensuring that housing strategies are based on reliable and up-to-date information.
- Developing the Right Institutional Framework: The Minister proposed the establishment of a District Housing Unit specifically tasked with developing and implementing housing programs tailored for rural districts. This unit would be instrumental in addressing the unique housing needs of these areas and ensuring that programs are effectively executed.
- Deploying the Right Interventions through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Hon. Oppong Nkrumah advocated for enhanced public-private partnerships to mitigate the risks associated with stalled housing projects. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the aim is to create a more robust framework for the successful implementation of housing initiatives.
- Improving Financing: To address the financial challenges faced by district housing projects, the Minister proposed leveraging the National Homeownership Fund. This fund would provide affordable financing options for both district housing projects and mortgages, making it easier for residents to access and afford quality housing.
- Efficient Execution: Hon. Oppong Nkrumah suggested the establishment of a Housing Authority to oversee the execution of housing projects. This authority would shift project management from political actors to technical experts, reducing the likelihood of stalled projects and ensuring that housing initiatives are executed effectively and efficiently.
Hon. Oppong Nkrumah concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Works and Housing’s commitment to the success of the district housing program. He emphasized that this commitment is driven by a strong focus on rural housing, inspired by the vision of Professor Busia.
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