Ghana’s transition to environmentally responsible and socially inclusive housing took centre stage at the sixth edition of the Ghana Green Building Summit in Accra.
More than 300 stakeholders representing government, finance, urban planning, private sector, and civil society converged to accelerate the integration of sustainable design and construction practices into the country’s urban development blueprint. With the theme “Reimagining Buildings and Cities for Economic and Social Prosperity”, the summit underscored an urgent imperative—making green buildings affordable, accessible, and mainstream. Officials and experts emphasised that sustainable architecture must no longer be viewed as an elite indulgence but as a vital necessity for climate resilience and inclusive urban prosperity. Senior officials from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to embedding sustainability in national housing strategies. They highlighted ongoing policy efforts to institutionalise green building norms across housing schemes, supported by updated guidelines, financial frameworks, and training programmes for developers.
Urban development specialists present at the forum pointed out that the intersection of environmental sustainability and economic viability should define the next phase of Ghana’s city planning. They advocated for neighbourhood-scale green initiatives that offer not only environmental dividends—such as reduced carbon emissions and energy savings—but also tangible cost benefits for low- and middle-income families. Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability called attention to the sobering forecast from global financial institutions, including projections that Ghana could face tripled climate-related economic losses by 2050. With over 30 million people potentially at risk from extreme temperatures, the case for redesigning urban systems is not merely technical—it is existential.
Experts urged the construction sector to rethink its approach to materials, building orientation, and energy efficiency. Using successful case studies from Accra and Tamale, presenters demonstrated how basic, low-cost interventions—like using reflective roofing, daylighting strategies, and solar water heating—have delivered over 30 percent savings in utility bills for residents. These technologies, they noted, are scalable and suitable for affordable housing developments nationwide. Technical advisors from development finance institutions stressed the need for robust data and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks to de-risk sustainable real estate projects and attract green capital. Legal professionals echoed the sentiment, proposing stronger integration of sustainability clauses in property law and national procurement policies.
Legal and investment experts at the event emphasised that a successful green transition requires an alignment of law, innovation, and finance. They discussed the need for adaptive legal frameworks that support green mortgages, incentivise eco-certifications, and hold developers accountable for environmental impact throughout the building lifecycle. Representatives from international agencies, including diplomatic missions and climate-focused NGOs, underscored that sustainability is not solely a technical or financial issue—it is one of leadership and systems thinking. They urged policymakers to move beyond pilot programmes and embed sustainability into national planning codes and political accountability systems.
Notably, the summit placed a strong focus on public education and behavioural change, highlighting that even the most efficient technologies require adoption at the household level to be truly effective. Participants stressed the importance of citizen engagement and participatory planning to create liveable cities that respond to the needs of all residents, particularly marginalised communities. One of the core outcomes of the summit was the formation of a broad coalition across sectors committed to accelerating green housing development in Ghana. Anchored by a shared vision for sustainable cities, this coalition aims to integrate environmental stewardship into mainstream architecture, urban financing, and local governance.
The summit concluded with a call to action—urban development must reflect purpose beyond aesthetics or cost. It must be driven by human dignity, resilience, and equity. Stakeholders reaffirmed their shared resolve to build not just structures, but inclusive and enduring communities. In doing so, Ghana positions itself as a leader among African nations pioneering the shift toward net-zero carbon urban development. The realisation of this vision, however, will depend on sustained investment, inclusive policies, and grassroots mobilisation.
Ghana Green Housing Movement Gains Traction at 2025 Building Summit
