The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has disclosed that 1,000 housing units have been handed over to security agencies across the country, significantly alleviating the housing challenges faced by these essential workers.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday in Accra, the Minister emphasised that the initiative not only provides adequate housing but also enhances the overall dignity and morale of personnel in the security sector.
“Key developments include the completion of 368 housing units at the Naval Command in Tema, 312 new homes for police personnel in Kwabenya and 320 recently inaugurated police residences in Tesano,” he stated.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah indicated that each project is designed to meet not just housing needs but also to promote community well-being, featuring multi-purpose sports centres and playgrounds for the families of service members.
He further noted that the investment enriches lives, creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in the housing sector, ultimately transforming communities into well-planned settlements. The government’s commitment to providing quality housing is expected to uplift the living standards of security personnel, enabling them to perform their duties with enhanced morale and efficiency.
“More than 10,000 housing units are under development at various stages of completion,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah added.
The Minister provided context for the housing challenge, saying, “With a current urban population of 58 per cent, an urbanisation rate of 3.3 per cent and a housing deficit of 1.8 million units, housing has become a developmental challenge for the country.”
Recognising the complexity of the issue, Mr Oppong Nkrumah expressed the government’s commitment to addressing it, saying, “Solving our housing crisis is undoubtedly complex, but we are determined to work with you to do so.”
The Minister also announced that the Ministry would start a new staff accommodation project in November 2024, pending approval and financial commitment from the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
The project, designed to enhance staff welfare and productivity, is currently in its layout and design phases.
The Minister noted that the initiative is a step towards addressing accommodation challenges for civil servants.