GN Bank, an indigenous Ghanaian bank, has, through Yorke Properties, put on sale its real estate project called Ahomka Court.
This, according to the bank, is its contribution towards reducing the housing deficit the country currently has to fill.
The estate is located within the North Legon Extension on the main Madina Ritz junction to Agbogba police station road.
Each apartment of the ‘Ahomka Court’ is going for $120,000.00 or its cedi equivalent for outright purchase. Payment can be spread over 15 years as mortgage with a life and fire insurance cover.
Speaking at the launch of the Ahomka Court, the Secretary to the Executive Council of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Mr Samuel Amegayibor, lauded GN Bank for their foresight in helping Ghanaians acquire decent and affordable houses.
He was, however, sad that a private entity such as GN Bank could put up a housing facility that is more affordable than a Ghana government backed housing project for the Ghana Police Service.
“I have done my own investigations and I have realised that these apartments put up by Yorke Properties with no government support is actually cheaper than those being developed for the Ghana Police Service by government, so, this should tell you that we have a problem in this regard,” he said.
He continued : “I’m not sure if the police are supposed to live in luxury apartments, but the Ahomka Courts we see here is a luxury apartment that is costing $120,000.00 while those for the police is costing government US$140,000.00 dollars per unit per information put out during the launch last week by the Vice-President, Dr Bawumia”.
He, therefore, urged the government to consider local housing construction firms who have proven that they can do more for less when planning for housing projects.
Each unit of the Ahomka Court has a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and 2 additional bedrooms. All apartments feature modern kitchen fittings with generous storage space, a living room, dining room and storage closets. All living rooms and bedrooms have been equipped with infrastructure for installing air conditioners. There is also a 24/7 patrol of apartment grounds.
In his welcome address, the General Manager of Yorke Properties, Mr Felix Ograh, thanked GN Bank for financing the project.
He was glad that his firm has been able to put up the project with private funding at a lower cost compared to other housing projects.
He charged Ghanaians to show interest in owning the apartments since they meet the global standards.
There was an outright cash purchase of $120,000 by a lady who wished to remain anonymous. She was immediately handed one of the keys to the apartment.
Reports as of 2016 indicate that Ghana’s housing sector is in short supply of 1.7 million units and is projected to climb to two million by the end of the year.
Industry players have, therefore, called on government to partner GREDA to close the gap in order for government to realise its six months’ rent advance policy.