Mahama announces GH¢500m district housing programme; rollout to begin this year

President John Mahama has announced plans to begin implementing a new district housing programme this year, with selected districts expected to benefit from the initial phase.

He said the initiative is part of his administration’s broader four-year strategy to address Ghana’s housing shortage and increase access to affordable and decent accommodation.

President Mahama made the announcement on Thursday, August 20, during a visit to the Saglemi Housing Project, where efforts are underway to complete the long-delayed development.

He disclosed that GH¢500 million had been allocated in the 2026 budget to support the programme, allowing construction of district housing units to begin in selected areas this year.

According to the President, the district housing initiative will introduce a new approach to expanding housing opportunities across the country.

He also provided an update on the Saglemi project, saying approximately 700 housing units are expected to be ready for commissioning by March next year, while the total number of completed units is projected to reach 1,500 by December 2027.

President Mahama described Saglemi as a project originally conceived under the late President John Evans Atta Mills and subsequently continued by his administration.

However, he said the project was stalled following a change in government, with legal challenges and investigations contributing to the delays.

He further said the development suffered significant losses during the period it remained incomplete, with items including electrical cables, bathroom fittings, bulbs, washbasins and telecommunications cables reportedly stolen.

According to President Mahama, the government eventually decided to involve the private sector in completing the project, with LMI Holdings selected as the company to undertake the work.

He expressed confidence that once completed, the Saglemi estate would provide a suitable residential environment for its occupants.

The President reiterated that expanding district housing forms a key part of his government’s efforts to reduce Ghana’s housing deficit and improve access to decent accommodation nationwide.