Ghana’s Vice-President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, on Monday undertook a working visit to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, where she received detailed briefings on the ministry’s mandate, progress and persistent challenges across its key sectors.
The ministry, headed by Works and Housing Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, operates through nine directorates and 14 departments and agencies. Its responsibilities span flood control, housing delivery, coastal protection and the management of the country’s water resources.
Officials outlined ongoing measures to curb recurrent flooding, a major concern in several urban centres. These include the construction and desilting of storm drains and the dredging of the Odaw Channel to improve water flow. The ministry said it is also strengthening early warning systems and response mechanisms to better prepare communities for flood events.
Along Ghana’s coastline, coastal protection projects are underway to address tidal waves and shoreline erosion. The initiatives are aimed at safeguarding vulnerable coastal settlements, infrastructure and livelihoods, particularly in areas frequently hit by sea incursions.
In the housing subsector, the ministry reported progress in completing previously stalled affordable housing projects and expanding partnerships with the private sector to increase access to decent housing nationwide. Key initiatives include the rollout of the National Homeownership Fund, national redevelopment programmes and targeted interventions to reduce district-level housing deficits.
Resettlement efforts following the Akosombo Dam spill are also advancing in phases, with a planned total of 2,225 housing units. In addition, work is progressing on the National Rental Assistance Scheme, while a review of the Rent Act, intended to address high rent advances and hostel fees is being finalised for submission to Cabinet.
On water resources, officials highlighted persistent challenges linked to pollution from illegal mining activities and ageing, inefficient water supply infrastructure. Projects in Takoradi, Wenchi, Keta and other locations are intended to improve water delivery, though the ministry stressed that sustained and adequate funding is critical to closing remaining gaps.
In her remarks, Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that some interventions, particularly in flood control and coastal management, may be necessary but unpopular. She emphasised the importance of continuous engagement and communication with affected communities, especially coastal fishing populations and rural settlements, and urged that land-use decisions be guided by the interests of future generations.
She also called for stronger collaboration with training and research institutions to develop solutions suited to Ghana’s environmental and cultural contexts, and for a principled relationship between government and the private sector that balances investment, accountability and the public good.
Commending the ministry for progress made, Opoku-Agyemang challenged officials to break down institutional silos and work towards a unified national development agenda. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the ministry, noting that effective delivery in works, housing and water resources is vital to protecting lives, building resilience and advancing inclusive national development.