President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the commencement of the Green City Housing Project at Dedesua, a community in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region.
The initiative, being implemented by the State Housing Company Limited (SHCL), sits on a 200-acre parcel of land made available by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The project will deliver more than 1,000 housing units within a carefully planned, integrated community that combines modern designs with environmental sustainability. It is expected to set a new benchmark for urban development in Ghana.
Beyond housing, the project is projected to create jobs, stimulate local enterprise, and generate lasting economic opportunities across the Bosomtwe District.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama said Ghana’s housing challenge has become more pronounced and requires clarity of purpose and decisive action. He noted that the national housing deficit is now estimated at over 1.5 million units.
According to him, this reflects years of supply failing to meet demand and that rising land values, escalating construction costs and limited access to long-term financing have placed ownership beyond the reach of many Ghanaians.
Director of SHCL giving his address
He said, informal settlements continue to expand, slums persist, and many Ghanaians live in substandard conditions. The pressure, he said, is intensified by rapid urbanisation, with more than half of Ghanaians now living in urban areas, which is expected to rise to about 70% by 2050.
The President said Cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi would continue to grow rapidly and will be swamped by migration from other parts of the country, if we do not act urgently, and stressed that the government’s reset agenda is a commitment to rethink how housing, infrastructure and opportunities are delivered to the people.
He noted that decent housing is a right for all our people while Access to housing improves public health, strengthens educational outcomes, boosts productivity and stabilises communities.
He described the Green City project as a timely intervention, stressing that it is not just about shelter, but about building a complete and liveable community that is safe, affordable and dignified.
He added that new social housing initiatives driven at the district level are being rolled out to reduce financial barriers to ownership and insisted that regional and district capitals must also benefit.
President Mahama commended the Asantehene for releasing the land and praised SHCL for being the largest single provider of housing to Ghanaians over the last seven decades.
He pledged the government’s continued support to enable the company to provide more affordable housing.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, Mamponghene, representing the Asantehene, commended the government’s resolve to address the housing deficit. He cautioned traditional leaders against selling or encroaching lands allocated for the Green City Housing Project.
Dr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, described the Dedesua Green City Project as one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at restoring dignity and integrity while serving as an economic driver.
He said sustainability in housing was no longer optional and that the project reflects Ghana’s readiness for partnership, with clear political will and recognition of the role of Ghanaians in the diaspora. According to him, the project is not about the next election, but about the next generation.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, said the project would reshape communities and livelihoods at a time when demand for affordable housing is rising.
He called it a bold step and a shared commitment to job creation for youth and contractors, urging all stakeholders to ensure its completion on schedule.
Mr John Sharif Bawah, Managing Director of SHCL, affirmed the company’s commitment to reducing housing costs and providing high-quality homes and better services. He promised to complete all uncompleted projects across the country and disclosed ongoing redevelopment projects in Adentan and other areas, as well as seven regional projects for the Ghana Immigration Service.
He said SHCL is introducing mortgage financing options to make homes more affordable and with the support of the sector minister, is working to regularise all state lands in the country.
The SHCL boss disclosed that Phase One of the Green City Project covers 36.25 acres and will include 214 units: 158 two-bedroom and 56 three-bedroom eco and standard detached units.
Mr. Bawah appealed for support to keep prices low and requested assistance from the Big Push Project for roads and drainage works under the project.
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