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Minister of Works and Housing Ahmed Ibrahim has proposed the establishment of a national housing levy to provide a sustainable funding stream for state-led residential projects. This initiative aims to address Ghana's staggering housing deficit, currently estimated at 1.8 million units. During a visit to the State Housing Company (SHC), the Minister emphasized that a dedicated levy would create the financial backbone necessary to deliver affordable housing solutions for the population, particularly for young citizens who often find decent accommodation out of financial reach.
The Minister explained that the proposed levy is intended to move the housing sector away from its historical reliance on inconsistent budget allocations toward a more predictable funding model. This shift would allow the State Housing Company to scale up its construction efforts and maintain a steady pipeline of projects across the country. Ibrahim highlighted that the current shortage of 1.8 million units poses a significant challenge to urban development and social stability, making it imperative for the government to find innovative ways to subsidize and support residential construction for the average Ghanaian worker.
By focusing on sustainable funding, the Mahama administration seeks to empower state agencies to fulfill their mandates more effectively. The Minister noted that strengthening the State Housing Company through such a levy would not only help reduce the deficit but also stimulate economic activity within the construction sector. If implemented, the national housing levy would represent a major policy intervention aimed at ensuring that affordable, quality housing becomes a reality for more families, aligning with the government's broader social and economic development goals.