The Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has charged the newly inaugurated boards of three key housing-related institutions to operate with professionalism, transparency, and strategic foresight, as their decisions will significantly impact Ghana’s urban development and economic future.
He emphasised that the boards must offer strategic direction while avoiding day-to-day administrative interference, adding that collaboration with the Ministry and consistent stakeholder engagement will be critical to achieving their mandates.
Mr Adjei made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the governing boards of the Real Estate Agency Council, the Public Servant Housing Loan Scheme, and the State Housing Company Limited in Accra yesterday.
The event was held to formally constitute the three boards, whose work collectively supports the broader national housing strategy. The Minister said the aim of the programme was to breathe new life into the institutions, streamline operations, and push forward a transformative agenda in Ghana’s housing and real estate sector.
The newly sworn-in members of the Real Estate Agency Council include Dr Elias Danyi Kuusaana (Chairperson), Benjamin Agyemang, Josephine Asare Jnr, Fred Asiamah-Koranteng, Sarah E. K. Ziddah, James Orleans Lindsay, Seth Nana Amoako, Surv. Maxwell Adu-Nsafoa, Angorkor Osa- Kwao and Jacob Ansong.
“To the new Real Estate Agency Council Board, your role is critical. You must ensure that standards are upheld, agents are licensed, unethical practices are eradicated, and the public can trust the system. This is your opportunity to transform how real estate transactions are conducted in Ghana,” the Minister said.
He also charged the Public Servant Housing Loan Scheme Board, led by Gerald Baffour Awuah Bonsu, to ensure that public servants can access affordable financing in a timely and equitable manner. Other members of this board include Mercedes Angela Konadu Mari, Surv. Sylvester Akuoko, Godfred Kofi Amuzu Ahorgah-Dorfia, Johnny Gyedu-Kwansah, Matilda Yaotey, Isaac Frankue, Philip Akey, and Theodora Mantebea Mends.
The Minister also addressed the board of the State Housing Company Limited, chaired by Ralph Roland, encouraging them to reposition the company as a leader in affordable and climate-resilient housing. Board members include Nana Nuben Sra III, John Sheriff Bawa, Michael Atta Agyei, Nurudeen Issifu Haruna, Chris Pobee Abbey, Nana Agyekum Kusi Ababio, Kofi Boamah Mensah, and Barnabas Ninfom Tanaab.
With Ghana’s housing deficit exceeding 1.8 million units and rising, Mr Adjei said urgent and strategic action was required. He acknowledged the revitalisation efforts already underway by the State Housing Company through projects in Accra, Bolgatanga, Tamale, Sunyani, and Ho, stressing the need for regional equity in housing delivery.
He called for innovative financing strategies to support upcoming district housing projects and affordable housing schemes, particularly in the Ashanti Region. He further urged the boards to explore creative public-private partnerships and tap into long-term institutional capital to advance green and climate-resilient developments.
Mr Gerald Baffour Awuah Bonsu, in his acceptance speech pledged the board’s commitment to aligning its work with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to “Reset Ghana” by improving systems and delivering real impact in the housing sector.
He noted that the Board would remain focused on expanding access to decent and affordable housing for public sector workers across the country, adding that the team would prioritise sustainability and the use of local materials in its operations.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG