Lord Ibrahim Sani, a prominent real estate entrepreneur and investment strategist, has strongly advocated for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s approach to addressing its significant housing deficit. He proposes that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer the most viable solution to bridge the gap of an estimated 1.8 to 2 million housing units. Sani argues that the current housing shortfall, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth, cannot be effectively tackled by government efforts alone. He emphasizes the need for collaborative partnerships that combine the innovative capabilities of the private sector with the regulatory and infrastructural power of the government. This collaborative approach, he believes, holds the key to unlocking large-scale, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions.
Sani criticizes the existing, often fragmented and politically influenced, housing delivery system in Ghana. He points to the recurring issues of underfunding, project delays, inadequate planning, and a lack of continuity across successive political administrations as major impediments to progress. Citing examples like the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, Sani contends that without the discipline, scalability, and accountability inherent in the private sector, government-led housing initiatives often struggle to achieve meaningful impact. His proposed PPP-driven model emphasizes leveraging private capital, incorporating eco-friendly innovations, and facilitating government support to expedite the delivery of affordable housing on a large scale.
Central to Sani’s vision is the adoption of a national PPP housing framework. This framework would serve as a guiding document for collaboration between various stakeholders, including government ministries, municipal assemblies, land commissions, financial institutions, and reputable developers. The framework, he suggests, should encompass transparent procurement processes, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive post-construction maintenance plans to ensure long-term viability and sustainability. He highlights his company’s flagship model, which prioritizes affordability, quality of service, and price leadership, ultimately leading to reduced construction time, cost, and environmental impact. With government support in areas such as land availability, permits, and basic infrastructure provision, Sani believes affordable housing can be delivered cost-effectively.
A major obstacle to housing development, according to Sani, is the complexity and inefficiency of land acquisition and titling processes. He urges the Lands Commission and the Ministry of Works and Housing to expedite the digitization of land records and streamline procedures for issuing land titles. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the issues of multiple land sales, land disputes, and interference from land guards, which significantly deter both local and foreign investment in the housing sector. Sani stresses that reforming the land sector is not merely an option but a critical necessity for unlocking the potential of the housing market.
Beyond addressing land-related issues, Sani also advocates for a strategic approach to urban planning. He proposes incorporating affordable housing within city expansion plans, as opposed to relegating low-income housing to the outskirts of cities, where access to employment opportunities and essential infrastructure is often limited. This integrated approach to urban planning, he argues, will foster inclusive and sustainable urban development, ensuring that affordable housing is not isolated but rather integrated into the fabric of the city.
Sani concludes by emphasizing that solving the housing crisis in Ghana is not just a social imperative but also a significant economic opportunity. A well-implemented national housing agenda, driven by PPPs, he argues, has the potential to generate over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, and real estate services. He estimates this to be a trillion-cedi opportunity with the potential to positively impact every sector and transform lives. He envisions a future of housing in Ghana that is inclusive, technologically advanced, and environmentally sustainable, achieved through collaborative partnerships rather than mere political promises. His vision is one of a vibrant and thriving housing sector that contributes significantly to national economic growth and improves the lives of Ghanaians.
