On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, a formal ceremony was held at the Ministry of Works and Housing to mark the transition of leadership as Francis Asenso-Boakye gracefully handed over the reins to the newly appointed Minister for Works & Housing, Honorable Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
During this event, Asenso-Boakye expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff and management of the Ministry for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He urged them to extend the same level of cooperation and dedication to the incoming Minister, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the ministry, particularly due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s finances, Asenso-Boakye noted that significant achievements were nonetheless attained during his time in office.
He highlighted the establishment of the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), designed to assist low-to-middle income earners with rent advance payments, thereby improving housing accessibility. As of January 31, 2024, the NRAS had benefited 1,492 individuals.
Additionally, Asenso-Boakye’s tenure oversaw the transformation of the Hydrological Services Department into the autonomous Ghana Hydrological Authority, facilitated by the passage of the Ghana Hydrological Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1085). This move has notably enhanced water management practices nationwide.
Furthermore, under Asenso-Boakye’s leadership, the establishment of the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC) aimed to regulate real estate transactions and promote transparency and adherence to standards in the real estate market.
Efforts to review and amend the Rent Act, 1963, and the Rent Control Law, 1986, are underway, with a draft bill currently before parliament aimed at stimulating private investment in the sector.
Asenso-Boakye also initiated steps towards the establishment of the Ghana Housing Authority (GHA) to regulate, plan, and manage public housing, including affordable housing for low-to-middle income earners. This initiative, having received cabinet approval, is progressing through parliament for consideration and approval.
The Ministry also achieved success in the passage of new building regulations to ensure a resilient built environment.
One of the noteworthy initiatives under Asenso-Boakye’s leadership is the revised National Affordable Housing Programme, aimed at subsidizing housing for Ghanaians through land provision and infrastructure development, inviting private sector participation.
The first project under this programme, the Pokuase affordable housing project, aims to build 8,000 housing units, with infrastructure works currently underway at the site.
Significant progress was also made in the Redevelopment Programme, with housing units constructed for public sector workers at various locations.
Incoming Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah commended Asenso-Boakye and the ministry staff for their remarkable achievements despite economic challenges. He pledged to build upon their successes in service to the nation, ensuring continued progress and development in the Ministry of Works and Housing.
