Dr James Orleans-Lindsay, President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), has called for a research-driven framework to tackle Ghana’s growing housing affordability crisis. Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ forum in Accra, Dr Orleans-Lindsay emphasized that without data-driven policies and strategies, attempts to address the country’s housing gap will remain ineffective.
He noted that while demand for housing continues to rise due to rapid urbanization and population growth, the cost of construction materials, limited access to affordable financing, and inadequate policy support have pushed home ownership beyond the reach of many Ghanaians.
Dr Orleans-Lindsay urged policymakers, developers, and financial institutions to collaborate in conducting extensive research on market dynamics, land use patterns, financing options, and innovative building technologies. “We cannot solve a 21st-century housing challenge with outdated information,” he said, stressing the need for accurate data to guide investment and policy decisions.
He also highlighted the importance of adopting cost-effective and environmentally friendly building methods to reduce the overall cost of homes while ensuring sustainability.
According to GREDA, Ghana currently faces a housing deficit of over 1.8 million units, a situation that has been worsened by rapid rural-urban migration and limited mortgage accessibility for low- and middle-income earners.
Dr Orleans-Lindsay proposed that the government create incentives for developers investing in affordable housing and partner with research institutions to generate actionable insights that will drive the sector forward. He further encouraged the inclusion of young professionals and entrepreneurs in the housing value chain to bring innovation and fresh solutions to longstanding problems.
Stakeholders at the forum expressed support for GREDA’s research-driven vision, acknowledging that evidence-based planning is essential for creating affordable housing policies that truly serve the needs of the population. The call comes at a critical time when housing costs in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi are escalating, threatening to widen the inequality gap.