By Felix Cofie
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gibert Kenneth Adjei, has charged the State Housing Company Limited (SHCL) to play a leading role in redefining housing acquisition and affordability in Ghana.
Speaking at the commissioning of SHCL’s 24-hour Premium and Express Service Centre in Accra, the Minister stressed that the success of the facility should not be judged by its extended operating hours alone, but by the quality of service, integrity of processes, and consistency in delivery.
“The true measure of this centre will be professionalism and efficiency,” he said, urging management to ensure the facility is adequately staffed, well resourced, and continuously monitored. He cautioned against the tendency for public initiatives to start strongly and decline over time, warning that negative feedback months after the launch would undermine the purpose of the project.
The Minister called on SHCL to make the service centre a model of excellence within the housing sector and the wider public service, demonstrating how state institutions can effectively operationalise President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy.
He described the launch as more than an innovation, noting that it represents government’s broader commitment to transforming public service delivery in line with national development priorities. According to him, the 24-hour economy policy is a flagship intervention aimed at ensuring Ghana’s economy functions continuously, efficiently and inclusively to drive growth, create jobs and improve living standards.
“The 24-hour economy is not just about extending working hours,” the Minister explained. “It is about rethinking systems, re-engineering institutions and aligning public service delivery with the realities of a modern, urbanising and aspirational society.”
Mr Adjei commended State Housing Company Limited for aligning its operations with this national vision, describing the 24-hour service centre as a practical translation of policy into action. He emphasised that housing lies at the heart of a productive economy, as workers require secure accommodation and efficient cities to support round-the-clock economic activity.
He noted that for many Ghanaians—particularly those engaged in shift-based work—access to essential housing services has long been constrained by limited office hours. The new initiative, he said, directly addresses this challenge by providing round-the-clock access to housing-related services, reducing delays and improving customer experience.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms and programmes within the housing and built environment sector, including affordable housing initiatives, district housing programmes, government redevelopment projects, and renewed partnerships with public and private sector actors. He said the success of these interventions would depend largely on the efficiency and professionalism of implementing agencies such as SHCL.
In this regard, he described the commissioning of the service centre as both timely and strategic, setting a benchmark for other public institutions to follow.
Mr Adjei commended the board, management and staff of State Housing Company Limited for their foresight and commitment to institutional transformation, noting that the initiative sends a strong signal that public sector organisations can be innovative, customer-focused and performance-driven.
In concluding his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming the housing sector as a critical pillar of national development. He said through strong institutions, innovative policies and strategic partnerships, government will continue to expand access to decent, affordable and sustainable housing for all Ghanaians.
He officially commissioned the 24-hour Premium and Express Service Centre, expressing confidence that it will play a vital role in advancing the objectives of the 24-hour economy policy and government’s broader development agenda.
