Government is piloting a set of housing incentives aimed at encouraging private developers to  undertake large-scale affordable housing projects.

The initiative, currently being piloted with the State Housing Company Ltd (SHC), is set to  significantly reduce construction costs, and expedite housing delivery across the country.

During a working visit to various housing project sites yesterday, the Minister of Works and  Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the initiative was part of the government’s broader plan  along with the introduction of a Master Framework to streamline Public Private Partnerships  (PPPs) to entice master developers to undertake huge housing projects to reduce the country’s  housing deficit.

He said the government was orchestrating a strategic collaboration between key Ministries and  Agencies to handle the provision of essential infrastructure like water and roads.

Having these Ministries and Agencies take on these responsibilities, he explained, would lower  the construction costs for developers.

“In particular to this Amrahia project, we are piloting synergies with other sectors of  government. For example, the Ministries of Roads and Energy, as well as the Ghana Water  Company Ltd., Mr Oppong Nkrumah said.

He explained that “when we build in those synergies, it means the developer doesn’t have to  construct the road himself, or extend electricity himself, or extend water, and it has the potential  to reduce the cost of the final unit that is being sold by up to about 30%.”

The Minister also indicated that piloting these synergies with the SHC allows the government to see how they might be implemented on a larger scale as they work with private developers.  He added that, along with others, it would be integral to the proposed incentives package aimed  at master developers.

“The goal is to further reduce development costs while enhancing affordability through  mortgage financing, allowing prospective homeowners to spread the cost over many years,” he  said.

He disclosed that beyond the immediate construction projects, the establishment of a Works  Inspectorate Unit within the Ministry was underway.

He said the unit would be responsible for enforcing building codes and safety standards across  construction sites nationwide, ensuring the durability and safety of housing infrastructure.

The Minister’s visit included tours of the Surge Homes, where SHC is constructing 200 housing  units, Legacy Court, where 70 abandoned affordable housing units are being redeveloped, and  the SHC Court in Adenta. Accompanying him were the Managing Director of SHC, Kwabena  Ampofo Appiah, and the management team of the housing company.