Resolving property market barriers key to diaspora investment

Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, has called for collective action to resolve challenges in Ghana’s property market, noting that reforms will unlock diaspora capital, reduce the housing deficit, create jobs and strengthen the country’s investment reputation.

“Resolving the obstacles in Ghana’s property market is a shared national responsibility. If we get this right, we will unlock significant diaspora capital, reduce the housing deficit, create jobs and strengthen our reputation as a credible and welcoming investment destination,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address at the Ghana Expo Property & Lifestyle 2025 (Global Edition) in Accra, held under the theme “Resolving Obstacles in the Ghanaian Property Market”, Mr. Darko described adequate housing as the foundation of human dignity, family security and social stability.

“Adequate housing is the indispensable gateway to all other human rights; it is the sacred ground upon which personal dignity is restored, communal stability is anchored and a family’s future is permanently secured,” he stated.

He noted that while the real estate sector contributes significantly to employment, capital formation and economic growth, it also reflects long-standing systemic weaknesses that must be addressed to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

He identified the Ghanaian diaspora as one of the country’s most valuable national assets, stressing that beyond remittances, diaspora investors bring patient capital, global best practices, professional expertise and a strong commitment to nation-building.

“One of our greatest national assets is the Ghanaian diaspora. Beyond remittances, the diaspora brings patient capital, global standards,

However, he acknowledged that many diaspora investors approach Ghana’s property market with caution due to unresolved challenges that have eroded trust.

“Unclear land titles, multiple sales, fragmented intermediaries, slow dispute resolution and weak post-purchase accountability have created a trust deficit where confidence should exist,” he mentioned.

According to Mr. Darko, five key obstacles continue to undermine confidence in the sector. These include land tenure insecurity arising from the dual customary and statutory land systems, fragmented regulation across multiple public institutions, limited access to affordable and long-term financing, infrastructure gaps within housing developments and a persistent trust deficit, particularly affecting investors abroad.

He said the John Mahama Administration is committed to addressing these challenges through practical and sustainable reforms. These include land and property reforms such as the digitisation of land records, strengthened title registration processes and improved mechanisms for dispute resolution.

Mr. Darko also outlined government plans to expand inclusive homeownership by increasing affordable housing supply through public-private partnerships, rent-to-own schemes and alignment with the proposed 24-Hour Economy Policy. He also explained that these initiatives are expected to stimulate private sector participation, create jobs and reduce the national housing deficit.

For diaspora investors, he announced the development of diaspora-focused investment frameworks, including standardised investment pathways, the accreditation of credible developers and stronger coordination among key public institutions.

He said the Diaspora Affairs Office will play a central role in connecting investors to trusted institutions, facilitating inter-agency collaboration and rebuilding confidence in the property market.

He emphasised that property ownership remains a strong anchor for diaspora reintegration, noting that Ghanaians abroad who own homes in Ghana are more likely to invest consistently, visit frequently, create local jobs and strengthen their long-term ties to the country.

Mr. Darko called on development partners to prioritise long-term value creation over short-term returns, urging a commitment to transparency, high construction standards and post-occupancy accountability.

He also challenged financial institutions to design innovative financing products tailored to the needs of diaspora investors.

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