Kwame Owusu Danso, Vice Presidential candidate for the Movement for Change ticket of Alan Kyerematen, has expressed deep concern over the worsening housing crisis, which he says has severely impacted living conditions for many citizens, especially the youth.

Speaking during a visit to the Texpo community along the Sakumono road in Spintex, Danso criticised the government for failing to address the growing housing deficit, which has left many Ghanaians, particularly young people, resorting to living in kiosks and makeshift shelters.

In a heartfelt address to residents, Danso highlighted that the housing shortage has reached critical levels, pushing many families to the brink of homelessness.

He pointed to skyrocketing rent costs as a major factor, saying, “I have seen firsthand the dire situation in which many Ghanaians find themselves today.

"Families, especially young people, are resorting to living in kiosks because they can no longer afford the ever-increasing rent in urban areas.

"This is unacceptable. It is a failure of successive governments, and it is high time we took decisive action to solve this crisis.”

A Call for Affordable Housing

Ghana’s housing deficit has reached alarming proportions, with experts citing a shortfall of over two million units, driven by rapid urbanisation and limited affordable options.

Rent costs in major urban centres like Accra have risen sharply, making homeownership a distant goal for many.

Mr Danso took the opportunity to outline the Movement for Change’s housing policy under an Alan Kyerematen administration.

He assured residents that affordable housing would be a top priority, stating, “The Alan Kyerematen administration is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

"We understand that a home is not just a place to live; it is the foundation of a stable and prosperous life. That is why, under the Movement for Change, we will prioritise affordable housing and work with both the public and private sectors to find lasting solutions to this problem.”

Residents Voice Their Struggles

Texpo residents shared their housing struggles and frustrations over the government’s lack of action. “I’ve lived here for over two years, but the rent keeps going up, and it’s becoming harder to survive,” said one resident.

“The government doesn’t seem to care about people like us. We don’t want to live in kiosks, but what choice do we have when we cannot afford a proper home?”

Another resident expressed a sense of hopelessness: “The situation is getting worse. If things don’t change soon, more people will be forced onto the streets.

"It’s heartbreaking to see families who want to live in dignity but can’t because the cost of housing is just too high. We need real change, and we need it now.”

Despite these challenges, residents felt hopeful after Danso’s visit, grateful for his attention to their concerns and his assurance that affordable housing would be a priority under Kyerematen’s leadership. “We’ve been neglected for too long by those in power,” said a community leader.

“We believe that Alan Kyerematen can bring the change we need. We are ready to support him, and we will vote in large numbers to make sure that his plans for affordable housing become a reality.”

A Time for Action

Kwame Owusu Danso’s visit to Texpo underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to Ghana’s housing deficit.

As Danso pointed out, the issue goes beyond the mere lack of homes; it’s about ensuring affordable and accessible housing for ordinary Ghanaians.

With the 2024 elections approaching, Danso and the Movement for Change are positioning themselves as the solution to Ghana’s housing woes.

By prioritising housing, they aim to tackle one of the country’s most pressing challenges and pave the way for a more secure future for all Ghanaians.

For the residents of Texpo and countless other communities, the stakes are high, and they believe that the time for change is now.