Ghana's Habitat Fair Draws Crowds Seeking Home Loans

People in Ghana started queuing before exhibitors even set up their booths at the 2026 JoyNews-Republic Bank Habitat Fair, eager to learn how they could finally own their own homes.

The three-day event at Achimota Retail Centre drew such massive crowds that Republic Bank's mortgage team stayed open until 8:30pm on opening night, making sure every last person got answers to their questions. Dan Adjetey Morhenu, Head of Mortgage Banking at Republic Bank, said he was genuinely surprised by the turnout.

The fair brought together prospective homeowners with banks, builders, and housing experts. Attendees ranged from bankers and government workers to expatriates, all asking the same basic questions about how to start their homeownership journey.

One question came up more than any other: what's the minimum salary needed to qualify for a mortgage? Morhenu's answer brought relief to many visitors.

"We don't have a minimum salary," he explained. "No matter the amount you earn as income, there is a mortgage for you."

The bank tailors its approach based on each customer's income. People earning less can start by purchasing land and gradually building, while higher earners might buy completed properties outright.

Republic Bank also offers something many Ghanaians have been seeking: fixed mortgage rates in local cedis rather than US dollars. This matters because some homeowners with dollar-denominated loans from other banks have struggled as currency values shifted.

In 2022, Republic Bank helped refinance many of these troubled dollar loans into cedi facilities. Morhenu urged anyone still struggling with dollar mortgages not to walk away from their properties but to explore refinancing options.

The Ripple Effect

The overwhelming response to this fair signals something bigger happening in Ghana. When thousands of people give up their Friday evening and Saturday to learn about mortgages, it shows a population ready to invest in stable futures for their families.

Mortgage Specialist Elizabeth Abena Anokware Amedeka said the bank was "really overwhelmed with numbers" but grateful for the chance to help people understand their options. She encouraged Ghanaians to attend future fairs, promising the bank would support them through the entire mortgage process.

The event transformed abstract dreams of homeownership into concrete conversations about monthly payments, interest rates, and realistic timelines.