Ghana is grappling with a widening housing gap, now estimated at more than 1.8 million homes, as high costs continue to put decent accommodation beyond the reach of many low- and middle-income households, according to the Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei.

The situation, he explained, has been compounded by rapid urban growth. With over half of the population currently residing in urban centres—and forecasts suggesting the figure could exceed 72 per cent by 2050—pressure on housing in cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi has intensified significantly.

Addressing participants at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Mr Adjei described the housing outlook as deeply concerning, noting that limited supply and rising costs continue to exclude large sections of the population from adequate shelter.

He pointed out that housing delivery has lagged behind growing demand, resulting in congestion, soaring rental and property prices, and the expansion of informal settlements across urban areas.

The minister stressed that the trend highlights the need for deliberate and integrated policy actions aimed at boosting housing delivery, improving affordability, and advancing sustainable urban development in line with Ghana’s changing population dynamics.