The Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research, ISSER, has called for proper classification of what constitutes affordable housing for various categories of persons in the Ghanaian economy.
Although the government over the years has embarked on affordable housing projects, only a few people can acquire such a property as the average Ghanaian worker is unable to afford.
According to a 2020 report by the Ministry of Works and Housing, the country’s housing deficit stands at about 2 million units, with an annual demand of over 300,000 housing units. This has resulted in a surge in informal settlements and slums across the country, with people living in sub-standard and overcrowded conditions.
One major cause of the housing deficit in Ghana is the high cost of housing. The cost of building a standard house is beyond the reach of most people in the country, making it difficult for them to acquire decent accommodation. Additionally, little attention has been given to affordable housing development, with most housing projects targeting middle and high-income earners.
Director of ISSER, Prof. Peter Quartey at the launch of the 2022 edition of the Ghana Socio-development Outlook in Accra, says the report revealed that despite an increase in housing units, the focus has been on the high earned of the middle class on the market.
He noted that there is a rapid shift from the compound style of building to the apartment.
Professor Quartey indicated that policymakers must give critical attention to the government flagship programs as the findings of the report showed that there was a decline in enrolment at the basic and
junior high schools due to the delay in payment of capitation and school feeding grants.
