The National Tenants’ Union of Ghana (NATUG) is raising fresh concerns about what it describes as the persistent underfunding of the Ministry of Works and Housing in the 2026 National Budget. The union says the allocation is far lower than what goes to sectors like agriculture and health, even though housing remains one of the country’s most urgent social needs.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Frederick Opoku, the union noted that housing is not only a basic human need but also a constitutional right and a key pillar of social protection. According to NATUG, the failure to prioritize housing undermines progress in other sectors meant to improve quality of life.
A Growing Crisis, Shrinking Investment
Ghana’s housing deficit is estimated at more than two million units. For many low and middle-income households, both renting and homeownership are becoming out of reach. Despite this, NATUG says the 2026 budget offers limited support for housing development.
It noted that the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources — the agency responsible for national housing policy, affordable housing delivery, slum upgrading, resettlements and urban development — continues to receive one of the smallest capital allocations among key social-sector ministries.
The union says this makes it difficult for the government to address long-standing housing challenges, including commitments made by President John Dramani Mahama when he was a candidate. NATUG recalls that the NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised low-cost and social housing options for vulnerable households but argues that the current budget does not reflect that promise.
Little or No Support for Affordable Housing
NATUG described the absence of dedicated funding for affordable housing in the 2026 budget as alarming. While some resources have been earmarked for district-level resettlement projects, the union says the broader national needs remain unaddressed.
The statement highlighted the lack of:
- A national rental housing fund
- Subsidies for low-income housing
- Large-scale investment in mass housing
- Public-private financing partnerships for affordable housing
- A clear plan to reform the rental market
NATUG argues that this gap between public commitments and actual investment continues to fuel homelessness, overcrowding, and deteriorating living conditions in many urban areas.
A Call for Urgent Budget Rebalancing
The union is urging government to use the mid-year budget review to increase funding for the Ministry of Works and Housing. It is also calling for the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund to support low-income rentals, public housing, and cooperative housing models.
NATUG further encouraged stronger collaboration between government, city authorities, private developers, NGOs and international housing agencies to expand social housing across the country.
According to the union, Ghana cannot continue neglecting the housing sector while many citizens endure harsh rents, face frequent evictions, and live in unsafe informal settlements.
“Housing Is a Right, Not a Privilege”
NATUG reminded policymakers that access to safe housing is essential for national security, economic development, public health, and social cohesion. It warned that failure to invest in housing could worsen urban poverty and social tensions.
The union called on the President, the sector minister, civil society groups, traditional authorities, development partners, and the media to help push for stronger investment in Ghana’s housing sector.
“Ghana deserves a budget that reflects the true needs of its people,” the statement concluded.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson