District Housing Project is a laudable one – Housing Minister-designate

Minister-designate for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has commended the government’s District Housing Project as a transformative initiative for addressing housing challenges in rural areas.

Responding to questions posed by the former Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Mr. Adjei described the policy as “laudable” and emphasized its potential to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians in rural and district communities.

“Mr. Chairman, I think the district housing policy is a laudable one. It’s a laudable one because it brings affordable housing to the people living in the districts and in our rural areas,” he stated.

Mr Adjei highlighted that the project could help resolve a major deterrent to professionals accepting postings to rural areas due to the unavailability of suitable accommodation.

“Mostly, when people are transferred to rural areas, they hesitate, basically because where they will stay is a problem,” he explained. “So I believe that if we continue with the district housing policy, it’s something that will help a lot, and our Ghanaians in the various districts are going to benefit from that.”

The District Housing Project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Works and Housing under the leadership of former Minister Nkrumah, was designed to address Ghana’s housing deficit, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The initiative focuses on constructing affordable and durable homes in all 261 districts across the country.

In addition to boosting local economies by employing local contractors and artisans, the project aims to provide dignified housing for public sector workers such as teachers, nurses, and police officers stationed in rural areas.

During the vetting, Mr Adjei also acknowledged another critical dimension of the project: providing retirement options for Ghanaians who wish to return to their hometowns after years of service in urban centres. “Most people want to retire to their villages, but the issue is where are they going to stay? But if we have this policy, it’s something that will help,” he noted.

If confirmed, Mr. Adjei will be tasked with ensuring the smooth implementation of the District Housing Project while working to secure partnerships with local governments, the private sector, and development partners.