The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim says Ghana's 1.8 million housing deficit presents both a challenge and a unique opportunity to avoid locking the country into high carbon emissions for generations.

Speaking at a stakeholder validation workshop on sustainable construction materials in Accra, the Minister said with much of Africa's future building stock yet to be constructed, the choice of materials today will determine emissions for the next 100 years.

"Ghana faces a 1.8 million housing deficit, presenting both a challenging opportunity to avoid future embodied carbon emissions. With much of Africa's future building stock yet to be constructed, choosing low-carbon materials is essential to reducing emissions for generations to come. A building can last 100 years or more, making these choices particularly critical," he noted.

The workshop was organized under a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), being implemented in four countries to support government and construction value chain actors in promoting circularity in buildings.

According to the Minister, the project aims to create an enabling framework for responsible sourcing of building materials and the development of sustainable construction tools while promoting the “Avoid, Shift and Improve” approach in the building sector.

Ahmed Ibrahim said the initiative aligns with global efforts led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address environmental concerns and promote sustainability in buildings and construction.

"The United Nations Environment and Development Committee recognizes the need to address global environmental concerns. In this context, UNEP promotes sustainability in buildings and construction. We emphasize sustainable buildings for local and global benefits and the role of the built environment in implementing the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

He disclosed that UNEP is committed to supporting countries to use low-carbon materials including bio-based materials, low-carbon cement and steel while promoting local value chains.

"In Ghana, UNEP has supported national efforts to promote sustainable construction practices through policy support, technical guidance, pilot studies and capacity building for sustainable housing and construction. This builds on the climate action roadmap for buildings and construction for Ghana," he added.

To ensure effective implementation at the national level, UNEP has partnered with UNOPS and UN-Habitat, who have expertise in sustainable, local and low-carbon buildings.

"We have provided technical, analytical and coordination support to advance circularity activities in Ghana, including engagement with government, research and analysis on sustainable construction materials, and support to pilot and capacity building initiatives," the Minister said.

He told the stakeholders that the validation meeting was to seek their input and validation of the findings of a research report on sustainable materials.

"We are seeking your input and validation as key stakeholders to share the outcomes of this very important study and the research report. We will be very happy to receive all your feedback," he said.

Hon. Ibrahim thanked the participants for attending and wished them a successful deliberation on how Ghana can build affordable, sustainable and climate-resilient homes.

The Head of Office of UNOPS Ghana Country Office, Linda Agbesi who doubles as an infrastructure specialist, launched a major initiative to transform Ghana's built environment through sustainable materials aimed at tackling the country's over 1.8 million housing deficit while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking at the launch of Transforming the Built Environment Through Sustainable Materials Demonstration Projects in Accra, Ms. Agbesi said the project reflects Ghana's commitment to addressing both housing needs and climate challenges.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to join you for the launch of Transforming the Built Environment through sustainable materials demonstration projects, reflecting Ghana's commitment to addressing both its housing needs and climate challenges.”

According to her, the project responds directly to the challenge by promoting the use of locally available low-carbon construction materials and applying a whole life-cycle approach to housing development.

"It demonstrates that sustainable construction can be environmentally responsive, economically viable and scalable," she stressed.

She added that the event will also review a techno-economic feasibility study for low-carbon model houses, developed to support the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources' implementation of the district housing programme in line with Legislative Instrument (LI) 2411.

"This study assesses technical and financial viability, regulatory compliance and scalability, providing a replicable low-carbon model house for the housing program and a strong foundation for future public investment decisions," Ms. Agbesi noted.

The National Projects Coordinator and Country Advisor for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Thomas Kankam-Adjei, also underscored the need for Ghana to urgently shift to low-carbon and circular construction, warning that buildings being put up today will shape emissions for the next century.

Mr. Kankam-Adjei said the built environment remains central to achieving the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

"The United Nations Environment and Development Committee recognizes the need to address the global environmental concerns. It is in this context that UNEP promotes sustainability in buildings and construction. We emphasize sustainable buildings for local and global benefits and the role of the built environment in implementing the Paris Agreement, the UN Agenda, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

Mr. Kankam-Adjei added: “With much of Africa's future building stock yet to be constructed, choosing low-carbon materials is essential to reducing emissions for generations to come. A building can last 100 years or more, making these choices particularly critical.”

"In Ghana, UNEP has supported national efforts to promote sustainable construction practices, through policy support, technical guidance, pilot studies, and capacity building for sustainable housing and construction. This builds on the climate action roadmap for buildings and construction for Ghana.”