Mamponghene, a representative of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on the government and the State Housing Company Limited (SHC) to ensure the successful completion of the Dedesua Green City Affordable Housing Project in Kumasi.
He stressed that Ghanaians now want to see real development outcomes instead of repeated promises and abandoned projects.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, who represented the Asantehene at the groundbreaking ceremony held at Dedesua on May 9, 2026, made the appeal before government officials, development partners, and SHC executives.
President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, attended the event.
Addressing guests, the Mamponghene expressed concern over the number of projects in Ghana that begin with announcements and sod-cutting ceremonies but never move beyond the planning stage.
“Many projects begin with good intentions but fail to materialise,” he said.
“People expect execution, accountability and results,” he added.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III revealed that the Asantehene released more than 200 acres of land to the Government of Ghana over 16 years ago for affordable housing development. However, he said several previous administrations of SHC failed to begin work on the site.
Managing Director of SHC, John Sherif Bawa, assured stakeholders that the initiative had progressed beyond promises and planning.
According to him, the project already has clear financing arrangements and implementation timelines.
“It is not simply a promise. It is not a concept. It is not a rendering on a presentation slide that will gather dust in a boardroom,” Mr Bawa said.
He disclosed that the first phase of the project would deliver 214 two-bedroom and three-bedroom detached houses by the end of 2027.
He added that the full development would provide 1,067 housing units over a five-year period on the 200-acre land.
The project will include a mix of detached houses, semi-detached homes, and apartment units designed for different income groups.
Mr Bawa appealed to President Mahama to support the project through the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme by funding roads, drainage systems, and sewage infrastructure estimated at GH¢100 million.
“I ask, humbly, Your Excellency, that you consider making a small donation from the Big Push to cover the costs of the horizontal infrastructure for this project,” he appealed.
He explained that government support for infrastructure would help SHC keep housing prices affordable for ordinary Ghanaians.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III also warned against encroachment on the land allocated for the housing project. He directed caretaker chiefs, family heads, and individuals to avoid any unauthorised occupation or sale of the land.
“Any action intended to delay, frustrate, or undermine the development will not be tolerated,” he warned.
The Mamponghene advised anyone with concerns over land ownership or boundaries within the project area to report directly to the Asantehene for resolution.
Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, described the Dedesua Green City Project as part of broader government efforts to reduce Ghana’s housing deficit while promoting environmentally friendly urban development.
He explained that the project incorporates green building concepts to address climate change concerns and rising temperatures.
“Sustainability in housing is no longer optional. It is essential,” Dr Adjei stated.
Mr Bawa further disclosed that Ghana’s housing deficit has exceeded 1.8 million units. He said the Mahama administration has tasked SHC with accelerating housing delivery across the country.
He announced that SHC has entered into mortgage partnerships with Republic Bank Ghana and Ecobank Ghana Limited to support prospective homeowners.
According to him, SHC expects to complete 300 housing units in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi before the end of 2026.
He also revealed that the company is constructing seven regional office complexes for the Ghana Immigration Service.
Mr Bawa further announced plans to restart the stalled affordable housing project in Koforidua and extend similar developments to Wa and Tamale.
He added that the stalled 1,544 apartment housing project at Pokuase has been repackaged and is expected to resume before the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Mr Bawa also disclosed that SHC has renewed head leases for estates in Teshie-Nungua, Achimota, North Labone, East Cantonments, and Kaneshie, while plans are underway to open a Savannah Regional Office later this year.
