Members of the Minority on the Works and Housing Committee in Parliament have raised alarm over what they perceive as exorbitant prices for housing units constructed by the State Housing Company (SHC).
The committee, after inspecting various developments around Adenta and Amrahia in Accra, noted prices ranging from GH₵800,000 to GH₵1.1 million.
Minority Spokesperson on Works and Housing, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, expressed disbelief, stating, “Looking at the structure and the price they are quoting, I wonder the people that would be able to afford… I have not had such money in my account throughout my entire life.”
Concerns over affordability
While recognizing the achievements of the current SHC management in revitalizing the company, Committee Chairman Isaac Kwame Asiamah echoed the concerns about the affordability of the housing units.
He emphasized the challenges even the middle class would face in raising such amounts, stating, “as MPs, we are concerned about the cost.”
State Housing Company and affordability concerns
In response to the criticisms, Managing Director of SHC, Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, acknowledged the institution’s pursuit of profitability and quality homes at reasonable prices.
He highlighted challenges such as land acquisition in the Greater Accra Region but noted that the government’s support in providing infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity would contribute to reducing unit costs.
Appiah expressed optimism, stating, “If this is something we can sustain in the long term, it is going to help us as a company to be able to deliver lower-income homes.”
