The economics of housing programmes in Ghana, 1929–66

Abstract

Researchers have generally assumed that housing policies of the colonial and the immediate post-colonial governments were shaped solely by social and political considerations. From a social perspective, some have argued that governments intervened in the housing field purely on health grounds to create good sanitary conditions and prevent the spread of diseases, especially amongst the colonizers and indigenous educated elites. From a political perspective, writers have argued that the key goal for most housing programmes was to prevent unrest and ensure political longevity. Even though each of these arguments has some merit, little, if any, consideration has been given to the economic logic of housing policies and programmes. Indeed, researchers have generally assumed that colonial and immediate post-colonial governments never considered the economic significance of housing. This assumption is incorrect. Through surveying published and archival sources, this paper aims to rectify the neglect of the economic logic of housing policies by demonstrating that economic implications were considered in the implementation of housing policies and programmes. As will be shown, housing was seen not only as a necessary tool to secure labour and improve productivity, but also as an essential element for the success of economic development projects, especially industrialization programmes.

HOUSING INFORMALITY IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: Insights from a Policy Comparison between Accra and Buenos Aires

“…Many policies for housing informal dwellers have been introduced at various times in Ghana. Some early policies that enabled housing provision centered on providing self‐help housing funds, for example: (1) the Roof Loan Scheme of 1955 provided loans up to certain levels according to predetermined standards to people for purchasing roofs, doors and windows for constructing their houses (Arku, 2009), (2) the First Ghana Building Society (FGBS) was established in 1956 to mobilize savings and loans for housing (Ofosu‐Kusi and Danso‐Wiredu, 2014) and (3) the Bank for Housing and Construction was formed in 1972 to provide finance to the housing and construction industry (Danso‐Wiredu and Loopmans, 2013). Other attempts in the 1970s included building societies, roof and wall protection loan schemes and rural cooperative housing schemes (Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, 2012).…”

Development Visions in Ghana: From Design Schools and Building Research to Tema New Town

“…Housing was thus a key factor in the development stimulus: rather than an inconvenient by-product of industrial growth, it was integral to it. 99 Male migratory labour was also being supplemented by a growing female workforce. 'The African woman', declared the 1955 Inter-African Labour Conference, 'has an essential part to play in the consolidation of family life and in the development and maintenance of social and cultural standards.'…”

The Origins of Urban Renewal in Singapore: A Transnational History

“…In Ghana, with Vladimir Bodiansky, they advocated self-help housing over slum clearance programs in 1954. 90 They also collaborated on missions to the Gold Coast, Pakistan, the Philippines, and after Singapore, Zambia, and Lagos. Both men viewed urban renewal as a transformative social force that transcended shelter and hygiene.…”