On Friday, September 27, the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Maher Kheir, and social housing expert Dr. Mark Nii Akwei Ankrah officially launched the Universal Village initiative, a transformative project aimed at addressing Ghana’s housing shortage.
Unveiled during the 2024 Chartered Institute of Realtors (CIR) Summit, Universal Village is a collaboration between the CIR and the Chamber of Real Estate (CRE). The project aims to build 100,000 affordable homes across various regions of Ghana, targeting low-income earners, particularly those currently living in informal dwellings like kiosks and containers.
Designed as a comprehensive housing solution, the development will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes, along with green spaces, commercial centers, educational facilities, and community amenities. The initiative is intended to provide not only affordable homes but also foster community living with modern infrastructure.
Dr. Mark Ankrah, speaking at the launch, emphasized the project’s focus on social impact: “We are dedicated to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to a decent and affordable home. Universal Village exemplifies our commitment to making this vision a reality through collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
The project is backed by international funding, NGOs, private-sector investors, and advocacy groups. It is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the construction industry while contributing to sustainable urban development. Universal Village fills a crucial gap in social housing provisions, as current government efforts have been limited in scope.
Both the CIR and CRE envision that Universal Village will set a benchmark for future social housing projects in Ghana, providing a model for affordable, sustainable, and inclusive living.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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