Construction of permanent block housing at Kofikrom has been put on hold pending further consultations, the area’s Assemblyman, Papa Nii, has disclosed. The project was planned after a recent fire outbreak.
Papa Nii said stakeholders needed more time to assess the proposed project.
The settlement was established about 25 years ago behind the Duraplast warehouse, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ash Foam. Poor sanitation is another concern, with companies operating nearby raising complaints about conditions in the settlement. The Assembly had made several attempts to relocate the occupants, dating back to the tenure of former Accra Mayor Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije.
The fire outbreak led authorities to consider constructing small housing units for the affected occupants after structures at the site had been marked for removal. However, the plan has now been suspended temporarily as consultations continue to determine the most suitable way forward. The annual cost of addressing the housing needs in Ghana is estimated to be around GHS 4.2 billion.
Papa Nii attributed the prolonged situation partly to a lack of political will to address the challenge. The area’s poor access, with a footpath serving as the main route into the community, is also a concern. The Assembly will continue to engage with stakeholders to find a solution to the housing needs of the affected residents.
The Kofikrom housing project is part of a larger effort to address the housing needs in Ghana. The country faces a significant housing deficit, with many residents living in informal settlements. The project’s outcome will have implications for the housing market in Ghana and the ability of the government to address the housing needs of its citizens.