Discussions hovering around government's National Affordable Housing project at Pokuase on Twitter indicates that the goal of providing homes at a feasible rate may not be realised.

The project cost tens of thousands of dollars which can also be sold in cedis at the prevailing rate.

A studio goes for $13,800 (GHS165,600); one bedroom - $20,700 (248,400); two bedroom - $34,500 (GHS414,000) and three bedroom - $42,550 (GHS510,600).

The Ministry of Works and Housing says developers cannot sell above the agreed price ceiling but they can sell below.

According to a report by StatsGH on Twitter, majority of Ghanaians will not benefit from this project due to their current economic standing.

StatsGH indicates that about 90% of Ghanaians employed earn salaries below GHS5000, adding that "only 10% of Ghanaian workers have a salary above GHS5000."

As section of the public have criticised the government over the matter, arguing that government should have invested in completing the Saglemi Housing Project began by the erstwhile Mahama government.

Sometimes you feel sad to be a Ghanaian, we are just wasting our resources. The government should have thought of how to complete the Saglemi project before starting any other housing project- Caller on the National Affordable Housing Programme#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/yX2VtJFVuB— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) August 2, 2023

“National Affordable Housing”.. pricing in dollars.. are the citizens a joke to these people?..my goodness, it gets more frustrating as each day passes by..

Stephy😌🇬🇭 (@stephy_adama) August 2, 2023

The Pokuase Affordable Housing Project saw its commencement marked by a sod-cutting ceremony held by the government on August 1, 2023.

The Ministry of Works and Housing highlighted that the government facilitated the affordability of the houses within the Pokuase Affordable Housing Project by subsidizing the expenses.

This was achieved through the allocation of land and the establishment of on-site infrastructure.

Reason for pricing in dollars

Communications director of the National Disaster Management and a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), George Ayesi, has justified why government has priced the Pokuase housing project in dollars.

According to him, the prices instill confidence in investors due to the stability of the currency, which contrasts with the uncertainties surrounding the local cedi.

Pokuase Affordable Housing Project

The project is structured into two phases. The initial phase will consist of 4,000 units and is projected to conclude within 18 months. Subsequently, the second phase will encompass the remaining 4,000 units and share a similar timeline of 18 months for completion.

Five reputable developers have been tasked with executing this endeavor: Rehoboth Properties, State Housing Company Limited, Devtraco Group Limited, FrankPauls Ventures Company Limited, and Douja Promotion Addoha Groupe Limited. Each of these entities boasts extensive experience, expertise, and ample resources.

The initiative boasts an authorized Master Plan designed to encompass a broader catchment area, extending beyond Pokuase to encompass the adjoining four local assemblies.

Within this scope, various amenities are envisaged, including football fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, and children's playgrounds, all intended to serve the neighboring communities.

Additionally, as part of the revised program, an additional 6,000 housing units will be constructed on a 200-acre plot in Dedesua, located in the Ashanti Region. This expansion is currently undergoing feasibility studies.