The Ghana Institute of Architects has raised concern that Ghana’s increasing dependence on private developers for housing delivery is worsening the country’s housing deficit, warning that the trend could undermine efforts to achieve affordable and sustainable urban development.
The Institute says the situation limits the state’s influence over housing supply and urban planning outcomes, as the bulk of housing infrastructure is now driven by private developers.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion on Channel One TV on Monday, June 15, 2026, on the theme “Building Competitive Cities: Infrastructure, innovation and investment for sustainable economic growth,” the President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Tony Asare, said about 80 percent of housing infrastructure in the country is provided by the private sector.
According him while private sector participation remains essential, over-reliance on it poses risks to national housing policy and urban development planning.
He cautioned that leaving critical urban infrastructure largely in private hands without strong regulatory oversight and government incentives weakens the state’s ability to ensure balanced and inclusive development.
“About 80% of housing infrastructure that is built in this country is done by the private sector. So if we want to reduce our housing deficit, it does not rest with the state, it rests with the private sector. That is dangerous,” he said.
He added that without effective policy direction and stronger government intervention, Ghana risks exacerbating its existing housing challenges.
“Any other infrastructure that complements good urban living, if it rests with the private sector and the government cannot have any control and cannot incentivise it for it to be enhanced, then it means we are in deep trouble.”he added.
The 2026 Citi Business Festival is powered by Citi FM and Channel One TV in partnership with Absa Bank Ghana, and sponsored by MTN Ghana, Zonda Tec Ghana Limited and Petra Trust Company Limited.
