Republic Bank Ghana has become the new title sponsor of the JoyNews Habitat Fair, following the signing of a three-year partnership agreement with the Multimedia Group Limited.

The agreement, signed at the headquarters of Republic Bank in Accra on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, covers all Habitat Fair events across Multimedia Group brands and locations nationwide.

The partnership builds on an existing relationship between Republic Bank and the Multimedia Group, with the bank having served as title sponsor of the Habitat Fair organised by Luv FM in Kumasi for the past three years.

Fiifi Koomson, General Manager of Joy Brands at Multimedia Group, said the success of the Kumasi collaboration made the expansion a natural next step.

"Three years ago, Republic Bank became the title sponsor of the Habitat Fair of Kumasi brands, Luv FM. That was a very exciting time, and we've had a very exciting journey," he said.

Mr Koomson described the new agreement as a "statement of confidence" in the Multimedia Group, adding that the Accra brands are covered for an initial three years.

Making homeownership achievable

Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana, Dr Benjamin Dzoboku, said the partnership comes at a time when Ghana continues to grapple with a significant housing deficit, with affordability remaining one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership.

He noted that Ghana's housing deficit was estimated at about 1.8 million housing units in 2015, with rapid urbanisation and population growth continuing to widen the gap.

According to him, the challenge goes beyond the availability of housing units.

"The challenge is not the supply side but affordability," he said, citing low household incomes, borrowing costs and land litigation among the major barriers confronting prospective homeowners.

Dr Dzoboku stressed that addressing Ghana's housing challenge would require a concerted effort involving government, financial institutions, developers, the media and other stakeholders.

Housing finance in Republic Bank's DNA

He said housing finance has been central to Republic Bank's identity since its origins as a home finance company in 1990.

"Republic Bank financing of housing, as you all know, is not a side business. It is part of our gene," he said.

The bank, he explained, has evolved from a mortgage-focused home finance company into a commercial bank, but has retained its expertise and commitment to helping Ghanaians achieve their homeownership ambitions.

Range of home financing options

Dr Dzoboku said Republic Bank currently offers a range of products designed to support customers at different stages of the homeownership journey.

These include financing for buying, building and owning a home, home completion and improvement, home equity financing, pension-backed mortgages and other housing finance solutions.

He also highlighted the bank's involvement in the National Housing Scheme with the government, through which it has supported public sector workers to acquire homes.

Beyond homeownership, he said Republic Bank had also established a Real Estate Investment Fund in 1995, providing an avenue for people interested in investing in the real estate sector.

He described the bank's approach to housing as an ecosystem that enables Ghanaians to save, invest, build, buy and create security for their families.

Habitat Fair goes nationwide

Dr Dzoboku welcomed the expansion of the Habitat Fair partnership beyond Accra and Kumasi to give more Ghanaians access to information and opportunities around housing.

He said the national reach would allow people in different parts of the country to engage financial institutions, developers and other players in the housing sector.

"So if you are a nurse in Accra, or a teacher in Zebila, or an entrepreneur in Ho, you can also have your dream home through this fair," he said.

He encouraged prospective homeowners not to abandon their aspirations because of financial or other challenges.

"Do not abandon your dream of owning a home. Come to Republic Bank Ghana. Let us understand your circumstances. We have various options and we can chart the right path for you," he said.

He described the Habitat Fair as an important platform for stakeholders in the housing ecosystem to engage directly with prospective homeowners, answer their questions and provide practical solutions.

Habitat Fair expands to Ho

General Manager, Sales at the Multimedia Group, Max Fugar, who signed the agreement on behalf of the company, described the development as a return of the Habitat Fair "home" under a new national partnership with Republic Bank.

He announced that the Habitat Fair will be held in Accra, Kumasi and Ho, expanding its reach to the Volta Region this year.

"Joy News Habitat Fair is back home. Republic Bank is now the lead sponsor of Joy News Habitat Fair. Accra, Kumasi, and Ho," Mr Fugar said.

He expressed appreciation to Republic Bank for its support and assured the bank that the Multimedia Group would deliver on the partnership.

Habitat Fair Clinic to begin at Achimota Mall

As part of activities leading to the main fair, Mr Fugar announced that the Habitat Fair Clinic will be held at Achimota Mall from August 21 to 23.

The clinic will provide an opportunity for prospective homeowners to engage directly with exhibitors and experts, including Republic Bank, on financing and other aspects of homeownership.

He encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the clinic and subsequent engagements across Multimedia Group platforms to seek answers to their housing and financing questions.

The signing ceremony was broadcast live on Joy FM and Joy News, as well as the organisation's digital platforms.

The partnership between Republic Bank and the Multimedia Group is expected to strengthen the Habitat Fair as a platform connecting prospective homeowners with financial institutions, developers, construction companies and other players across Ghana's housing ecosystem.