Only about five per cent of Ghanaians can secure housing without assistance, highlighting the depth of the challenge surrounding affordable housing in Ghana, government has disclosed.
The figure was contained in a joint statement by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to mark World Habitat Day 2026 under the theme, “Adequate Housing for All.”
According to the ministries, about 60% of the population requires state facilitated support to access decent housing, while another 30% remains unable to secure housing even with government subsidies.
Earlier government housing assessments have similarly indicated that only a small proportion of Ghanaians can acquire homes without assistance.
Government attributed the affordability problem to expensive land, rising construction and infrastructure costs and limited access to affordable long term finance.
“These realities underscore the need for deliberate interventions to make housing more accessible and affordable to all,” the ministries said.
They stressed that adequate housing cannot be measured by the availability of buildings alone. Access to potable water, roads, drainage, electricity, sanitation and public spaces must also form part of housing development.
Mortgage Scheme Targets More Homebuyers
Government said it is implementing the National Mortgage Scheme with the National Housing Fund and Republic Bank to widen access to home ownership.
According to the statement, financing under the programme is available at approximately 8.4% annually, with repayment periods extending to 20 years.
Republic Bank currently lists mortgage products with repayment periods of up to 20 years, although published rates vary by product and scheme.
Government is also pursuing the National Urban Policy and Implementation Plan 2026 to 2035 alongside a National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy.
The ministries said the broader objective is to expand access to “decent, affordable and sustainable housing” while improving the infrastructure surrounding residential communities.
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