By Sarah Baafi
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for stronger teamwork, inclusive decision-making and sustainable housing policies as government intensifies efforts to address Ghana’s housing and infrastructure challenges.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Vice President emphasised that national development requires collective responsibility, noting that progress should not be judged by visibility but by impact.
“We are working as a team. Some people may not be visible, but their contributions are important,” she said, urging heads of agencies to value inputs from all staff, including those not present at the meeting.
She stressed the importance of mutual respect, accountability and effective delegation, noting that when every institution plays its role diligently, the outcomes benefit the entire country.
“It is about Ghana. It is about the people, even those whose names we do not know but who ultimately benefit from the work we do,” she added.
Housing, Rent and Private Sector Role
Touching on housing, the Vice President raised concerns about rent, urban planning and the role of the private sector in housing delivery. She questioned whether long-term housing investors receive adequate financial support and called for closer collaboration between the Works and Housing Ministry and the Ministry of Finance.
She also urged policymakers to consider land use efficiency, advocating for vertical development such as flats to conserve land for future generations.
“Our land will not expand, but our population will. What we do today must consider those yet to come,” she noted.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further highlighted the need for improved housing conditions for essential workers, including teachers, nurses, security and health personnel, who often live and work in underserved communities.
Architecture, Energy and Urban Living
The Vice President expressed concern over modern building designs, particularly narrow windows that restrict natural light and airflow, increasing energy consumption.
“In a tropical country like Ghana, why should we need electric light in the daytime?” she asked, urging architects and planners to design buildings that work with nature rather than against it.
She also raised questions about the culture of flat living, calling for public education to promote peaceful coexistence in shared residential spaces.
Disaster Management and Communication
On coastal management and disaster response, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasised the need for constant communication, not only during crises. She called on public relations officers within agencies to proactively communicate government plans, progress and challenges to the public.
She also stressed the importance of consulting local users, particularly fishermen, in coastal interventions to ensure policies are practical and effective.
