The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has called for effective implementation of policies aimed at ensuring affordable housing for Ghanaians, especially the less privileged.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb TV’s George Ayisi, the MP who raised the matter on the floor of Parliament, questioned the effectiveness of existing affordable housing policies. “I have my own challenges with it because sometimes you approach some of these properties, and what they describe as affordable is, again, way beyond what the average Ghanaian can afford. So, the question even is, who determines what is affordable? You have the same rich people having access to those properties because they can afford it,” he stated.

While pointing to the high housing deficit in the country, the MP emphasized the need for immediate action in ensuring affordable housing becomes truly affordable for Ghanaians.

“Besides that, we have a housing deficit of over 2 million housing units. So, we are in a deficit of over 2 million units of housing. There’s no way a country can pretend to love its citizens and care about social progress when you have this huge deficit in your housing sector. Something must be done about it. The government must come in, partner with private agencies, and let’s build some affordable housing,” he stated.

He further called for more robust regulation of the housing sector.

“Let’s also provide some support to private developers who are working within that space. But what you should do is that after you provide this support, especially the conducive environment for the private sector, you still must regulate how they charge, and you must provide a framework within which they conduct their business,” he added.

The MP, who has made it a personal crusade to advocate against high rental costs, promised to escalate his campaign to the highest level using his legislative powers.

Watch the full interview below:



GA/EK

Also watch Ketu North MP speaks on vetting committee chaos and appointment revocations: