Ghana has won a seat on Board of Directors of the the Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
The win at the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kigali, Rwanda, on
June 13, 2024, makes Ghana one of six countries to steer the affairs of the
Bank.
Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who led Ghana’s delegation
to the AGM expressed optimism about the opportunities this development will
unlock for the country.
Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African housing finance and development institution, has
been pivotal in promoting affordable housing across the continent.
This year’s AGM, themed "Sustainable Partnerships in the Affordable
Housing Finance Value Chain," brought together representatives from member
states, financial institutions, and development partners.
The primary focus was on transforming Shelter Afrique into a dynamic
development bank that meets international standards.
Addressing the media, on the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Oppong Nkrumah
highlighted the significance of Ghana’s new position.
“Securing a seat on the Board of Shelter Afrique is a strategic victory for
Ghana. This development not only enhances our influence within the organization
but also positions us to attract more resources to support our affordable
housing initiatives,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized that increasing Ghana’s presence in Shelter Afrique is
part of a broader strategy to strengthen its shareholding and leadership role
within the bank.
“Our increased presence at Shelter Afrique will enable us to tap into a
wealth of resources and expertise. This will significantly boost our efforts in
rolling out affordable housing projects and providing mortgages to make these
homes accessible to our citizens,” Oppong Nkrumah explained.
The AGM marked a pivotal moment for Shelter Afrique, as underscored by its
Managing Director, Thierno Habib Hann. “This AGM marks a decisive turning point
to affirm our journey of transformation,” Hann remarked.
The meeting’s discussions centred around fortifying the organization’s
operational framework and aligning it with international best practices to
better serve its member states.
For Ghana, this new board seat is a testament to the country's commitment to
addressing its housing deficit. Currently, Ghana faces a significant housing
shortfall, with demand far outstripping supply, particularly in urban areas.
The government has been proactive in seeking partnerships and investments to
bridge this gap, and its engagement with Shelter Afrique is a critical part of
these efforts.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah reiterated the government's dedication to leveraging
this new position for the greater good.
“With this seat, we are better positioned to influence decisions that
directly impact our housing sector. We will advocate for policies and
initiatives that support our national housing agenda and ensure that the
benefits of our membership in Shelter Afrique are fully realized,” he added.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the member states and partners who
supported Ghana’s bid for the board seat.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our fellow member states and partners for
their confidence in Ghana’s capabilities. This collective effort underscores
the spirit of cooperation and shared goals that define Shelter Afrique,” he
said.
Source: Peacefmonline.com