The government has launched a new affordable housing project in Pokuase, Greater Accra Region, as part of its efforts to address the housing deficit in the country.

However, the project has sparked controversy over its pricing in US dollars, which many have deemed unaffordable for low and middle-income earners.

The project, which is a public-private partnership, will provide 8,000 housing units of different types, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom houses. The prices are as follows:

A studio apartment: $13,800

One-bedroom house: $20,700

Two-bedroom house: $34,500

Three-bedroom house: $42,550

These prices are payable in cedis at the prevailing exchange rate, and developers are prohibited from selling above the agreed price ceiling. However, they have the flexibility to sell units below the set prices.

The project is part of the National Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to deliver 14,000 housing units in Pokuase and Dedesua in the Ashanti Region. The programme was initiated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who cut the sod for the Pokuase project on Tuesday.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the project marked a significant milestone in the quest to provide access to safe, quality, decent, secure and affordable housing for Ghanaians.

He also said the project would create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area.

However, some critics have questioned the affordability of the project, given that the prices are in dollars and that many Ghanaians earn less than $1000 a year.

They have also accused the government of neglecting previous housing projects initiated by former administrations, such as the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.

Some have also expressed concern over the environmental and social impact of the project, such as the displacement of residents and farmers, the destruction of natural habitats and water bodies, and the lack of adequate infrastructure and amenities in the area.

The government has defended its pricing in dollars, saying that it is necessary to ensure that the houses are affordable to foreign investors and that it reflects the cost of construction materials and labour.

It has also assured that it will complete all ongoing housing projects and that it will provide subsidies and mortgages for eligible buyers.