Tetteh-Agbotui advocates for decentralised housing to bridge rural-urban gap

The Deputy Minister Designate for Works and Housing, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, has emphasised the need for housing to be decentralised to ensure its effective utilisation, particularly in rural areas.

"My Minister and I have already had discussions, particularly about a district housing scheme, because housing must be decentralised for it to be effectively used," she stated.

Speaking during her vetting before the Appointments Committee, she highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing solutions, especially in rural communities where inadequate accommodation affects key sectors such as education.

Referring to President John Mahama’s commitment to housing for teachers, as outlined in his maiden State of the Nation Address, Tetteh-Agbotui reaffirmed her support for the Minister’s efforts to provide accommodation for teachers working in rural communities.

"If in a school, there should be about 15 teachers in a basic school and because of lack of accommodation—most of the time that is their worry, that is their concern. Lack of accommodation, you may find only about three teachers. And so the school in the rural area and the school in the urban area will take the same exams, but effective teaching may be less over there because of some of these social problems around them," she explained.

She described the plan to provide accommodation near schools as a brilliant initiative and pledged her full support for its implementation.

"The plan to have accommodation around schools is brilliant, and I will support my Minister in any way possible to make sure that happens," she added.

Tetteh-Agbotui’s advocacy for decentralised housing solutions aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance education, improve rural living conditions, and address Ghana’s housing deficit.