By Seraphine Nyuiemedi
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the commencement of the Ho Oxygen City housing project in the Volta Region, describing it as a major step towards inclusive and balanced national development.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony in Ho, President Mahama said the project goes beyond the construction of houses and reflects a deliberate national vision to ensure regional balance, dignified housing and integrated urban growth.
He reiterated his 2024 campaign pledge that every region would receive its fair share of national development, adding that access to decent housing is a fundamental requirement for human dignity, economic productivity and social stability.
“Housing is one of the clearest measures of a society’s progress. A safe and decent home is not a privilege for a few, but a fundamental requirement for human dignity, economic productivity and social stability,” he said.
President Mahama noted that under his development agenda, government is rethinking urban planning by moving away from uncoordinated sprawl towards well-planned, serviced and economically integrated communities designed to meet present and future needs.
He described Oxygen City as a practical demonstration of this approach, highlighting collaboration between state institutions, traditional authorities and the private sector to responsibly unlock land and deliver comprehensive urban infrastructure.
“Oxygen City is a practical expression of this new approach. It shows what is possible when state institutions work in partnership with traditional authorities and private sector actors to create communities that support housing, commerce, transport, social services and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The President explained that expanding the operations of TDC Ghana Limited beyond the Tema acquisition area to Ho was a deliberate policy decision to prevent development from being concentrated in a few areas.
“Development must not remain concentrated in a few enclaves. Our national objective is clear: growth must be regional, equitable and purposeful,” he said.
He acknowledged Ghana’s persistent housing deficit, particularly among working families, young professionals and public sector workers, and stressed that housing delivery must be integrated with roads, water, sanitation, transport, schools, healthcare and employment opportunities.
President Mahama said the Volta Region stands to benefit significantly from the project due to its growing administrative, educational, tourism and investment potential, adding that Oxygen City would serve as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth.
The project will include multi-storey two- and three-bedroom apartments, modern roads, street lighting, water, electricity and sewage systems. It will also feature public-private partnerships for a four-star hotel, a specialist hospital, shopping malls, entertainment facilities, educational institutions and a golf course.
He announced that government has allocated GH¢500 million annually over three years in the 2026 Budget to support district housing schemes, amounting to GH¢1.5 billion. The initiative will target teachers, nurses, doctors, civil servants and other public sector workers.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will make a 25 per cent deposit and repay the cost of their homes over 15 to 20 years through salary deductions. The President assured that the houses would be priced in cedis, not dollars, and offered at single-digit interest rates to ensure affordability.
He also disclosed that government has directed the Ministry of Local Government to begin processes to upgrade Ho and Hohoe municipalities to metropolitan status, with other districts expected to follow.
President Mahama reaffirmed government’s commitment to environmentally responsible and inclusive development, and pledged continued reforms in housing finance, land administration and public-private partnerships.
Chairman of the occasion, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, described the Ho Oxygen City project as timely and essential to the city’s rapid growth. He cited Ho’s rising population, expanding educational institutions and increasing investment activity as reasons planned housing is urgently needed.
“We promise to support TDC Ghana Limited in every way possible to ensure that this project progresses peacefully and is completed on schedule,” he said.
