The Deputy Works and Housing Minister-Designate, Dr Prince Hamid Armah, has underscored the imperative of ensuring equitable housing for citizens amidst the looming threat of recurrent flooding in major cities across the country.
Appearing before the appointments committee of parliament on Monday, 11 March 2024, Dr. Armah emphasised the government’s role in affordable housing projects and the need for active involvement beyond the private sector.
Highlighting the significance of affordable housing in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Armah stressed the importance of government intervention through agencies such as the State Housing Company. He also referenced the substantial investment already made in projects like the Saglemi Housing Project, hinting at plans to explore private sector participation to propel the initiative forward.
“I will be particularly interested in supporting the ministry to take a look at using local materials in constructing affordable housing,” Dr. Armah stated, underlining the potential cost reduction of up to 40% through the utilisation of local resources. He advocated for leveraging research from institutions like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to enhance housing construction with indigenous materials.
Addressing the pressing issue of flooding, Dr. Armah reiterated the government’s commitment to the full implementation of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project. Designed to mitigate flood risks and improve infrastructure in vulnerable communities within the Odaw River Basin, GARID represents a critical step towards enhancing resilience against flooding.
“Perennial flooding poses a significant threat to our socio-economic development agenda. It is imperative that we invest in measures like closed drainage systems to address this challenge effectively,” Dr. Armah said.
As Ghana grapples with the multifaceted challenges of housing and flood management, Dr. Armah’s insights offer a glimpse into the government’s strategic approach to addressing these pressing issues. With a wealth of experience in education, social research, and policy development, Dr. Armah’s appointment holds promise for advancing sustainable solutions to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
Profile of Dr. Prince Hamid Armah
Dr. Prince Zubairu Hamid Armah brings nearly two decades of experience in education and social research to his role as Ghana’s Deputy Works and Housing Minister-Designate. With a background in teaching Mathematics and expertise in policy development and implementation, Dr. Armah has played pivotal roles in reforming Ghana’s national curriculum and overseeing critical education initiatives.
Trained in quantitative methods and data analytics at leading universities in the United Kingdom, Dr. Armah’s research interests span from economic growth to human social behavior change models. He has contributed to national development through consultancy roles with esteemed organizations like The World Bank, USAID, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), focusing on research and human capital development.
Dr. Armah holds a PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Aberdeen, along with master’s degrees in Development Finance and Mathematics Education. His multidisciplinary expertise positions him as a key figure in Ghana’s efforts to address housing challenges and bolster resilience against flooding, reflecting his dedication to driving positive change and sustainable development.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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