The National Tenants Union of Ghana says the country is heading toward a deeper housing crisis after the 2026 national budget once again gave the Ministry of Works and Housing one of the smallest allocations among key social sectors.
The union fears the low investment will worsen the struggles of millions of Ghanaians who already face harsh rents, frequent evictions and unsafe living conditions.
In a statement signed by Secretary General Frederick Opoku, the union said housing remains one of the most urgent social needs in Ghana, yet it continues to receive far less attention than sectors such as agriculture and health.
The union described housing as a basic human need, a constitutional right and an essential part of social protection that government should take more seriously.
Ghana’s housing deficit now stands at more than two million units, a gap that continues to widen as both renting and home ownership slip further out of reach for many low and middle income households.
NATUG says the 2026 budget does little to change this reality.According to the union, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, which oversees national housing policy, affordable housing projects, slum upgrading and urban development, has once again been given a capital allocation that falls far below what is required to meet national needs.
The union added that this makes it difficult for government to fulfil long standing commitments, including promises made in the 2024 National Democratic Congress manifesto which pledged low cost and social housing options for vulnerable groups.
NATUG described the lack of dedicated funding for affordable housing in the 2026 budget as alarming. While some money has been set aside for district level resettlement initiatives, the union said there is no clear national plan to tackle the broader crisis.
The statement pointed to several missing elements, including a national rental housing fund, subsidies for low income housing, large scale mass housing projects, public and private financing partnerships and a clear framework to reform the rental market.
According to the union, the absence of these tools continues to fuel homelessness, overcrowding and worsening living conditions in many urban communities.
NATUG is urging government to rebalance the budget during the mid year review and to increase funding for the housing ministry.
It also wants the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund to support low income rentals, public housing and cooperative housing models.
The union called for stronger collaboration between government, city authorities, private developers, civil society groups and international partners to expand social housing across the country.
The statement reminded policymakers that access to safe housing is essential for national security, economic growth, public health and social cohesion.
It warned that continued neglect of the sector could heighten urban poverty and social tensions.NATUG called on the President, the housing minister, traditional leaders, development partners and the media to help push for meaningful investment in the housing sector.
“Ghana deserves a budget that reflects the true needs of its people,” the union said.
story by Kofi Doe
