MPs express concern over delayed affordable housing projects

The Parliamentary Committee on Works and Housing visited three housing projects in Greater Accra.

These projects are the Pokuase Affordable Housing Project, Surge Homes at Amrahia, and Executive Homes at Adenta.

Chairman Hon. Vincent Asamoah led the team. They met with officials from the State Housing Company (SHC) to discuss project delays.

At Pokuase, the site was in poor condition. Waste covered large areas of land. SHC Managing Director Mr. John Bawa said the government gave SHC 40 acres for 1,600 homes. These include two- and three-bedroom units.

However, SHC has completed less than 20 percent of the work due to funding issues. Mr. Bawa noted that people now dump refuse on the land. He stated, “We need extra money to clear the waste before we can continue building.” The roads leading to the site are also in bad shape. The government promised repairs but has not acted yet.

Some homebuyers who paid in advance now want refunds because of these delays.

At Amrahia, the committee saw better results. Surge Homes has completed about 80% of its project so far. Workers finished 154 out of 196 units and are selling around 100 homes starting at GHC950,000. The estate includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes.

Despite this progress, Surge Homes faces challenges too. The developers lack sufficient funds for completion. Poor roads and land issues have also delayed construction.

The committee ended its tour at Executive Homes in Adenta. SHC began this project about 15 years ago with a design for four-storey apartment blocks. Lower floors hold two-bedroom units while top floors have one-bedroom units.

SHC has completed about 90%, but funding shortages have halted further work.

Hon. Asamoah praised progress at Amrahia, noting it shows what developers can achieve with support. He expressed concern over slow progress at Pokuase and Adenta.

“The government will do its part,” he promised, “We aim to finish all these projects by year-end.”