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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The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana has urged Parliament to urgently pass the long-delayed Property Rights of Spouses Bill, warning that the absence of the law continues to deepen hardship for women and children after divorce.

The group made the call when it presented a petition to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, Comfort Doyoe, calling for swift legislative action to ensure fair distribution of jointly acquired property between spouses.

Speaking to journalists after the presentation on Friday May 8, the President of the Board of FIDA Ghana, Gloria Ofori-Boadu, said the continued delay in enacting the law has left many families exposed to uncertainty and injustice following the dissolution of marriages.

“Article 22 clause 2 of the constitution requires parliament to enact legislation regulating the property rights of spouses. Article 22(3) further provides that spouses shall have equal access to property jointly acquired during marriage and that such assets shall be distributed equitably upon the dissolution of marriage,” she said.

She noted that more than three decades after the 1992 Constitution came into force, Ghana is still without a comprehensive law to guide property distribution between spouses, a gap she said has created inconsistency in court rulings and hardship for affected families.

“That delay has created uncertainty, inconsistency and hardship for not only women but children, children, children of families and their destinies. Children, the future leaders of our country are at risk when it comes to the dissolution of marriage and no child should be homeless in this country,” she stressed.

According to her, while the Supreme Court has made important rulings recognising both direct and indirect contributions of spouses, judicial decisions alone are not enough to guarantee consistent protection.

“In the absence of clear legislation, courts have had to develop principles on a case-by-case basis. We acknowledge that the Supreme Court has made important contributions in this area. However, case law alone cannot provide the clarity, predictability and uniform protection that legislation is meant to provide. This is why Parliament must act,” she said.

She added that the bill has been on the legislative agenda for years, with various stages of consideration dating back to 2009, including stakeholder engagements in 2013, 2014, 2021 and 2024.

“What remains is the political and legislative will to complete the task,” she stated.

In response, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin assured that the House is prepared to fast-track the bill, indicating that it could be passed under a certificate of urgency to promote fairness and accountability in the sharing of property acquired during marriage.

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