The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has indicated that the Akufo-Addo government, since 2017, has delivered a total of 1,000 homes to the security services in the country.
According to the minister, the 320 new homes for the police brought the number to 1000. He said this on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the commissioning of the new housing units for the Ghana Police Service at the training school in Tesano, Accra.
The 320-housing unit for the police is the third phase of the security services housing project initiated by the government.
The Minister for Works and Housing said that, “this third phase of the security services housing project, the commissioning of which we are witnessing today, entails the construction of 320 homes for the Ghana Police Service.
“Mr. President, it brings to a total of 1,000 homes for the security services alone, since 2017, and we’re grateful to you, Sir, for this intervention. 1,000 homes for the security services alone since 2017.”
OTHERS
The Minister explained that those 1,000 homes are exclusive of the 1,700 affordable homes constructed by the Tema Development Corporation at Kpone, being occupied by health workers, doctors, nurses and other public servants.
He said they are also exclusive of the 405 homes by the National Home Ownership in Community 22, and are also exclusive of the 822 homes that the State Housing Company has put up in various locations since 2017.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah further said that the 1,000 new homes are also separate from the nearly 600 homes for civil servants currently under redevelopment through the Bungalow Redevelopment Programme in Accra, led by the Ministry of Works and Housing.
They are also different from the 8,000 homes that work has commenced on in the Pokuase enclave and the 200 extra homes that the State Housing Company is constructing in Amrahia.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Concluding his remarks, the minister highlighted the other developments the government was undertaking in the housing sector.
He remarked that the government was pursuing tasks at his ministry, including securing funding to complete stalled projects, including the Koforidua affordable housing project, the Saglemi project and the Adentan SHC project.
The second task is that the ministry is fast tracking work on ongoing projects, citing that currently, infrastructure works on drainage and road works have advanced and work on some of the foundations and blocks has commenced in Pokuase.
He mentioned that work on the 150 new homes by the National Home Ownership Fund has already exceeded 50 percent completion in less than four months since commencement.
He said they have also completed some of the redeveloped bungalows and will soon commission them for use by public servants.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah also mentioned that phase two of the Kwabenya project is currently under development.
He continued that a new framework to provide the housing market with some equilibrium through incentives for the private sector is being worked on between the Ministries of Finance and Housing and awaiting the approval of the President for work to commence on its implementation.
“Finally, Mr. President, the reorganization of the National Home Ownership Fund to stimulate cheaper construction finance and mortgages for the future is also underway,” he noted.
IMPACT
In his address at the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the project will have a positive impact on the police community.
He said it will serve as a model for other security services and illustrate dedication to delivering high-quality housing solutions that meet current standards of comfort, sustainability, and safety.
“The benefits of this ambitious project extend beyond providing shelter. It also improves the quality of life for our police officers and their families, creating a sense of security and stability that I am confident will be reciprocated in their wholehearted enthusiasm for duty,” he remarked.
LEGACIES
The Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, in a welcome address highlighted what he described as some legacies of President Akufo-Addo in the police service.
He mentioned that the Akufo-Addo government has provided volume of logistics, including “over 4000 motorbikes spread across the length and breadth of this country.”
He also said that the police have been able to establish 181 regional formed police units made up of an average of 35 police officers with vehicles and motorcycles across the country.
“We can say that Ghana is at peace with itself when it comes to security, Mr. President, all because of you.”
