The Public Services Workers Union of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA-PSWU) on Wednesday launched a housing scheme to enable staff to own houses before retirement.

Under the scheme, GRA workers, who own land in Prampram, Oyibi, Kasoa, Gomoa Nyanyano, Obakrowa and Adjin Kotoku would have houses built for them.

In addition, staff who have started their own project but does not have enough resource to continue would be assisted to complete them.

It is being done in collaboration with United Pension Trustees and ACEC Investment Limited.

Beneficiary staff would have their contributions deducted at source and are expected to pay for the building in 10 years.

Currently, over 800 staff of GRA have subscribed to the scheme.

The housing scheme follows on the heels of a Transport scheme for staff.

Dr Edward Larbi-Siaw, Tax Policy Adviser to the Minister of Finance, said the initiative would help reduce the housing deficit and provide workers the peace of mind to go about their work.

He urged the Union to come out with new initiatives and to be resolute and forge ahead to ensure the completion of the project.

Launching it, Mr. George Blankson, Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Service, commended the Union for instituting the scheme, saying once workers have the peace of mind, it would help improve productivity.

He lauded the Union for the labour stability within the organization.

Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary-General Ghana Trades Union Congress, urged the staff to ensure that the objective of the scheme was met and called on management to lend support to the workers.

He asked SSNIT to re-activate the housing project to meet the needs of workers.