President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the construction of the Green City Project at Dedesua in the Ashanti Region.

The project, situated on a 200-acre land, is expected to deliver 1,067 residential units aimed at providing affordable housing for Ghanaians.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President acknowledged Ghana’s housing deficit, which is estimated at more than 1.5 million units. He attributed the situation to years of inadequate planning, rising land values, escalating construction costs and limited access to long-term financing.

READ ALSO: Stop Abusing Six-Month Rent Advance Cap — Mahama To Landlords

He also expressed concern about the increasing growth of slums and rapid urbanisation, noting that many people continue to live in substandard housing conditions. According to him, Ghana’s housing crisis could worsen significantly if urgent interventions are not implemented.

President Mahama emphasised his administration’s commitment to providing decent and affordable housing to improve public health, strengthen educational outcomes, boost productivity and stabilise communities.

As part of efforts to address the housing deficit, he disclosed that the government is prioritising the completion of the Saglemi Housing Project while also rolling out new social housing initiatives across districts to reduce financial barriers to home ownership.

“A nation that is seeking development must house its people with dignity. We are therefore implementing a comprehensive housing agenda that addresses supply, improves affordability, strengthens tenant protection, and reforms housing finance to reflect the reality of Ghanaian incomes,” he said.

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President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the continued disregard for rent advance regulations, despite existing laws limiting rent advances to a maximum of six months.

He said weak enforcement of the law has allowed unfair rental practices to persist, with many landlords still demanding excessive advance payments from prospective tenants.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Green City Project at Dedesua in the Ashanti Region, he observed that many tenants, driven by urgent housing needs, often fall victim to these practices and are reluctant to report offenders to the appropriate authorities for enforcement action.

READ ALSO: Ashanti Region: Mahama Cuts Sod For 1,000-Unit Green City Housing Project

“We have a rent court that is supposed to prosecute cases where house owners take more than six months. Unfortunately, both the house owner and the one who wants to rent the property are not prepared to go and report.

“That has been the main problem in enforcing this law. The one who wants to rent needs a place to lay his head, and the landlord also wants money to invest in something. Our goal is simple, fairness, protection, and dignity for tenants,” he said.

President Mahama further stated that the National Home Ownership Fund will continue to provide long-term financing support, particularly for retirees, to help ensure housing security after years of public service.

He added that the Green City Project is timely, as government intensifies efforts to tackle the country’s growing housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.

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Workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) under the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) have announced an indefinite nationwide strike effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, over unresolved concerns relating to their working conditions.

The industrial action was declared in a directive issued by the NIA Division of the union following what it described as a unanimous decision by its Divisional Executive Council after the expiration of a seven-day notice earlier served by the mother union.

According to the statement, all members across the country have been instructed to fully comply with the strike directive until their demands are addressed.

“On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, no member shall report to work. You will rise from your beds and return to them, until further notice, and until our just demands are met,” the statement declared.

As part of activities leading to the strike, workers have also been directed to report to their workplaces on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12 dressed in red attire or red armbands as a symbol of solidarity and protest.

The union further stressed that the action would remain in force until authorities respond to the concerns raised by workers.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: this strike will remain in force until our collective voice is heard and our conditions are addressed,” the release added.

Regional officers of the union have meanwhile been tasked to ensure strict enforcement of the directive across all jurisdictions.

The statement, jointly signed by Assistant Divisional Secretary Godsway Ayivor Bismark and Divisional Chairman Francis Bangfudem Nyuzaghl, urged members to remain united throughout the action.

“Our resolve is our weapon; our solidarity is our shield. Only through unwavering unity will we make this struggle a success,” the union stated.

The impending strike is expected to disrupt services at NIA offices nationwide, including Ghana Card registration, replacement and update services, unless government and union leaders reach a last-minute agreement before the May 13 deadline.

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