CPP to address shortage of low-cost housing

CPP to address shortage of low-cost housing for the marginalised and the poor – Professor Akosa.

Providing affordable housing for the marginalised is an issue that the CPP takes serious. In order to implement a successful low income housing strategy it is paramount to first address the Land reform. Thus land becomes central in any housing development debate. In an interview with this writer in London, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, a leading member of the CPP said a successful low cost housing strategy means dealing with the patrons who control land – the traditional rulers. Akosa said this demands dealing with the very problems that have dodged previous governments including land reforms, land tenure and land administration systems.

Akosa, who was reacting to NPP’s botched affordable housing policy, said land reform measures which should have been undertaken by previous governments were not undertaken. Akosa said if land reforms have been dealt with earlier we would not been in the situation that we find ourselves in now.

Akosa said customary systems and skewed land distribution undermine security of tenure and thus it is an issue that the CPP will address once and for so that the country can move forward. In reply to the CPP pledge to set a poverty ministry, Akosa said comprehensive land reform is urgent for socio-economic development and poverty alleviation in the country.

Transformation of land administration system currently in place needs extensive examination and reforms. Akosa said this is an undertaking that the CPP administration will not shy away from. He stated that not to address low cost housing to the marginalised in his homeland would be tantamount to a political suicide for the CPP. Akosa who said he is the United Kingdom to meet the Diaspora and the United Kingdom/Ireland Nkrumahists said the reorganisation of the CPP means every Nkrumahist is welcome on board and appealed to all those factions of the Nkrumahists to join the CPP to help rebuild their motherland.

Professor is the first leading member of the CPP to address his constituencies without referring to the CPP Patriots or for that matter any faction, but as a leading member of the CPP.

Professor Akosa said the task facing his homeland demand that all talent are harnessed for the development of his motherland. Playing the Patriotic card Akosa assured the Diaspora that if the CPP wins the 2008 Presidency, the CPP government will appoint a minister for Diaspora Relations from among the Diaspora community with a seat at the Cabinet. Aksoa acknowledged the huge contributions of the Diaspora community and said they are in a unique position to help contribute towards poverty reduction, employment creation and skills transfer in their motherland. Akosa said the high incidence of children on the streets is worrying and unacceptable.

Professor Akosa, once a member of the Young Pioneers, said he will set a task force with the sole aim of tackling youth homelessness and illiteracy. Akosa said the enthusiastic support that the CPP enjoys among Ghanaians is encouraging and said the CPP is a party for all Ghanaians, irrespective of tribe, social statues, age or gender. Akosa appealed to Ghanaians to support the CPP financially and through canvassing to win the elections for the hard working men and women of Ghana. He said the CPP is a listening party and told his compatriots that the CPP government will open a direct line so that citizens can contact any sector minister with their concerns. Akosa said under the CPP administration they will zero tolerance for corruption or laziness. He said the country is in crisis and all hands are need on deck to solve those problems.