Ghana Launches 20-Year Mortgages for Teachers and Nurses

Buying a home just became possible for millions of public workers in Ghana who've been priced out by dollar-based mortgages and impossible payment terms.

President John Dramani Mahama announced a housing program that lets nurses, teachers, doctors, and civil servants buy government-built homes with 15 to 20-year mortgages paid in Ghana cedis. The shift away from dollar-denominated payments means families won't see their monthly costs spike when currency values fluctuate.

The program runs on a GH¢3 billion (roughly $750 million) revolving fund created by the government, worker unions, Social Security, and Republic Bank of Ghana. State housing companies will use the fund to build homes, then banks will offer the long-term mortgages to workers.

"This will solve the problem where when the cedi was under a lot of pressure, it led to increasing mortgages for people," Mahama said at a groundbreaking ceremony in the Ashanti Region on May 9, 2026.

The first project, called Dedesua Green City, will create over 1,000 homes on 200 acres donated by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The king has already agreed to donate additional land in Kumasi for more housing.

The government will cover infrastructure costs like roads and drainage systems under its Big Push program, keeping final prices lower for buyers. Housing won't just stay in major cities either. Regional and district capitals across Ghana will get their own projects.

The Ripple Effect

Ghana's housing crisis affects more than 1.5 million families right now. More than half the population lives in cities, and that number could hit 70 percent by 2050 as people continue moving for work and opportunities.

Current rental markets demand years of rent paid upfront, though a law limits advance payments to six months. Weak enforcement means landlords and renters often ignore the rule, making even renting nearly impossible for average workers.

For Ghanaians living abroad who want to invest back home, Mahama promised litigation-free land and completed homes ready for occupancy. The president expects phase one of Dedesua Green City to finish within a year.

This program gives essential workers a path to homeownership that didn't exist before, building wealth for families while housing the workforce Ghana needs.