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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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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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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