The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated a committee to develop a comprehensive policy framework for the establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme, in fulfilment of a key manifesto promise by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The housing initiative formed part of the NDC’s 2024 election campaign commitments aimed at improving the welfare of security personnel and addressing Ghana’s broader housing deficit.

In its 2024 manifesto, the party pledged to introduce affordable and sustainable housing schemes for members of the security services, including the Ghana Armed Forces, as part of efforts to enhance conditions of service and boost morale within the sector.

The manifesto also outlined plans to collaborate with state housing agencies and private developers to expand access to decent accommodation for public sector workers.

The flagship welfare intervention promise by the NDC ahead of the 2024 general elections gained significant public attention during the campaign period, as inadequate barracks infrastructure, overcrowding, and the high cost of private housing for service personnel were raised amongst military personnel in their engagements with politicians behind closed doors.

The NDC argued during the campaign that improving access to affordable housing for military officers and veterans was to enhance welfare and strengthen national security by ensuring personnel operate under stable living conditions.

In line with the Government’s vision, Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has disclosed the new implementation development in a Facebook post after the inauguration ceremony today, describing the initiative as a major boost to enhancing the welfare of personnel and veterans through sustainable and affordable housing opportunities.

“The Ministry of Defence today inaugurated a Committee to develop a comprehensive policy framework for the establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme, in fulfilment of a key manifesto promise by the NDC government.”

“The inauguration marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces through sustainable and affordable housing opportunities,” he stated.

Genfi further revealed that the Committee is chaired by the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Ben Gah, and includes representatives from “the Office of the President, Ghana Home Ownership Fund, Ministry of Works and Housing, Ghana Armed Forces, State Housing Corporation, National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and Veterans Administration, Ghana.”

He stressed that the government remains committed to improving the living conditions of military personnel and veterans, emphasising that “access to decent housing remains a critical component of national security and personnel welfare.”

“The Committee has been tasked to produce a practical and implementable policy document that will guide the successful rollout of the Home Ownership Scheme,” the Deputy Minister wrote.

“Members were further charged to adopt a consultative approach in engaging relevant stakeholders while working with a strong sense of urgency to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them.”

The Deputy Defence Minister explained that the proposed scheme “is expected to provide a structured pathway for officers, soldiers, and veterans of the Ghana Armed Forces to own homes under flexible and affordable arrangements.”

He added that the initiative forms part of broader government efforts “to improve conditions of service within the security sector and ensure that personnel who dedicate their lives to the protection of the nation are adequately supported.”