Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, has called for decisive and coordinated reforms to address long-standing challenges in Ghana’s property market, saying such measures are essential to attracting diaspora investment and supporting national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo 2025 (Global Edition) in Accra, Mr Darko, widely known as KOD, conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a transparent, secure, and investor-friendly real estate environment.
Speaking on the theme “Resolving Obstacles in the Ghanaian Property Market,” he described housing as a fundamental human right and a key driver of dignity, stability, and economic growth. While acknowledging the sector’s role in job creation and capital formation, he noted that it also exposes some of Ghana’s deepest structural weaknesses.
KOD identified five major obstacles undermining investor confidence: land tenure insecurity linked to the coexistence of customary and statutory systems; fragmented regulation across institutions; limited access to affordable, long-term financing; inadequate infrastructure in housing developments; and a growing trust deficit, particularly among diaspora investors.
He said the Ghanaian diaspora remains one of the country’s most valuable assets, contributing not only remittances but also expertise, patient capital, and a strong commitment to national development. However, issues such as unclear land titles, multiple land sales, protracted disputes, and weak post-purchase accountability have made many diaspora investors cautious.
Outlining the Mahama administration’s reform agenda, KOD said government plans include digitising land records, strengthening title registration, improving dispute resolution mechanisms, and expanding affordable housing through public-private partnerships and rent-to-own models aligned with the 24-Hour Economy Policy. He also announced plans for diaspora-focused investment frameworks, including standardised investment pathways, accredited developers, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
He emphasised the role of the Diaspora Affairs Office as a bridge between investors and credible public institutions, noting that property ownership remains a key anchor for diaspora reintegration and long-term national engagement.
KOD challenged developers and financial institutions to prioritise transparency, build quality, post-occupancy accountability, and innovative financing products tailored to the needs of diaspora investors.
He concluded that addressing the structural challenges in the property market is a shared national responsibility that could unlock significant diaspora capital, reduce the housing deficit, create jobs, and strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a trusted investment destination.
He commended Ama Agyekum, Victoria Agyekum, and the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo team for consistently providing a trusted platform for diaspora investment.
The Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo (Global Edition) brought together government officials, diplomats, developers, financiers, and diaspora investors to explore sustainable growth opportunities in Ghana’s real estate sector.
