The Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Maher Kheir, together with social housing expert Dr. Mark Nii Akwei Ankrah, launched the groundbreaking Universal Village project on Friday, September 27.
The initiative, introduced during the Chartered Institute of Realtors (CIR) Summit 2024, aims to tackle Ghana’s growing housing deficit by providing affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
Universal Village, a collaboration between the CIR and the Chamber of Real Estate (CRE), seeks to deliver 100,000 homes across various parts of the country. The project will focus on providing affordable studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes, targeting low-income earners and individuals living in unauthorized structures such as kiosks and containers.
The development will include modern amenities such as green spaces, commercial centers, educational blocks, and community facilities, making it a comprehensive solution to urban housing challenges.
“We believe that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to call home,” said Dr. Mark Ankrah at the launch. “The Universal Village project reflects our commitment to social responsibility and the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
Funded by international partners, NGOs, private-sector investments, and other advocacy groups, the initiative is expected to create jobs in construction and contribute to sustainable urban development. Universal Village aims to fill the gap left by limited government social housing schemes, ensuring that more Ghanaians have access to quality housing.
The CIR and CRE hope the project will set a new standard for social housing in Ghana.
