The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gilbert Kenneth Adjei, has called on the State Housing Company Limited (SHCL) to take a leading role in reshaping housing acquisition and affordability in Ghana.
He made the call while commissioning SHCL’s 24-hour Premium and Express Service Centre in Accra, stressing that the success of the initiative should be measured not merely by extended operating hours, but by service quality, integrity of processes, and consistency in delivery.
“The true measure of this centre will be professionalism and efficiency,” the Minister said, urging management to ensure the facility is adequately staffed, well resourced, and subject to continuous monitoring. He warned against the common trend of public sector initiatives losing momentum after launch, noting that negative feedback months down the line would defeat the purpose of the project.
Mr Adjei encouraged SHCL to position the service centre as a model of excellence within both the housing sector and the wider public service, demonstrating how state institutions can effectively implement President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy.
He described the launch as more than a technological or operational innovation, saying it reflects government’s broader commitment to transforming public service delivery in line with national development priorities. According to the Minister, the 24-hour economy policy is a flagship initiative designed to ensure the economy operates continuously, efficiently and inclusively to drive growth, create jobs and improve living standards.
“The 24-hour economy is not just about extending working hours,” he explained. “It is about rethinking systems, re-engineering institutions and aligning public service delivery with the realities of a modern, urbanising and aspirational society.”
Commending SHCL for aligning its operations with this national vision, Mr Adjei described the new service centre as a practical example of policy translated into action. He emphasised that housing is central to a productive economy, noting that workers require secure accommodation and well-functioning cities to sustain round-the-clock economic activity.
He observed that many Ghanaians, particularly those engaged in shift-based work, have long faced limited access to housing services due to restricted office hours. The 24-hour service centre, he said, addresses this challenge by offering continuous access to essential housing services, reducing delays and improving customer experience.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms and programmes in the housing and built environment sector, including affordable housing initiatives, district housing programmes, redevelopment projects and renewed public-private partnerships. He noted that the success of these interventions would depend largely on the efficiency and professionalism of implementing agencies such as SHCL.
Describing the commissioning of the centre as both timely and strategic, Mr Adjei said it sets a benchmark for other public institutions to follow. He praised the board, management and staff of SHCL for their foresight and commitment to institutional transformation, adding that the initiative demonstrates that public sector organisations can be innovative, customer-focused and performance-driven.
In his concluding 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 then officially commissioned the 24-hour Premium and Express Service Centre, expressing confidence that it will play a key role in advancing the objectives of the 24-hour economy policy and the government’s broader development agenda.
