President John Dramani Mahama has described the commencement of the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) Ho Oxygen City Community 27 Project as a landmark step in Ghana’s quest for inclusive, balanced and people-centred national development.
Speaking at Takla-Agbokope in the Ho Municipality during a sod-cutting ceremony, President Mahama said the project held deep national significance, not only for Ho and the Volta Region, but for the entire country.
“We are not gathered here merely to cut sod for another housing project,” the President said. “We are affirming a deliberate national vision — a vision of inclusive development where every region receives its fair share of the national cake.”
He noted that housing remained one of the clearest indicators of a society’s progress, stressing that access to safe and decent accommodation was fundamental to human dignity, social stability, productivity and national cohesion.
The President said this justified the central place of housing in government’s Reset Agenda.
He explained that government was moving away from uncoordinated urban sprawl towards well-planned, fully serviced and economically integrated communities designed to meet both present and future needs.
President Mahama described Oxygen City as a practical expression of this new urban development philosophy.
He underscored the importance of collaboration among state institutions, traditional authorities and the private sector, saying such partnerships promoted responsible land use, comprehensive planning and sustainable communities that integrate housing, commerce, transport, social services and environmental protection.
The President said the project would stimulate development in the region by expanding housing supply, attracting local and foreign investment, creating jobs, strengthening border corridors and contributing to national economic growth.
He announced that the project would feature multi-storey two- and three-bedroom apartments, modern road networks, street lighting, drainage and sewage systems, as well as reliable water and electricity utilities.
The development will also include Public-Private Partnership (PPP) components such as a four-star hotel, a world-class specialist hospital, shopping malls, markets, educational institutions, recreational facilities, a food and entertainment centre and a golf course.
President Mahama further disclosed that part of the land had been allocated to the State Housing Company Limited to undertake additional residential developments.
On housing finance, the President announced that government would invest GH¢1.5 billion over three years into the District Housing Scheme and the “Own-a-Home” programme.
He said houses under the schemes would be priced in cedis, not dollars, offered at single-digit interest rates, and targeted at teachers, nurses, doctors, civil and public servants, with flexible repayment arrangements deducted directly from salaries.
In further announcements, President Mahama revealed that Ho and Hohoe would soon be upgraded to Metropolitan Assembly status, alongside other districts to be announced later.
Mr Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, described the project as marking a new phase in Ghana’s journey towards modern, inclusive and sustainable urban development.
He said Oxygen City reflected government’s commitment to balanced regional growth and the creation of future-ready cities capable of responding to population growth and economic diversification.
Mr Adjei said the mixed-use development would incorporate green corridors, climate-responsive infrastructure, efficient land use and environmentally conscious design, positioning Ho as a regional growth hub due to its proximity to the Ho Airport and major road networks.
Mr Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, Managing Director of TDC Ghana Limited, said Oxygen City Community 27 was inspired by opportunity, innovation and the belief that every Ghanaian deserved a dignified place to live and work.
He said the 1,860-acre project would feature residential, industrial, commercial, health tourism and business districts supported by modern infrastructure.
Mr Nunekpeku said the project aligned with government’s 24-hour economy agenda, enabling continuous business operations in logistics, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, while creating jobs and easing development pressure on Accra.
He assured that lessons from earlier TDC communities would inform the development to ensure improved planning, sustainability and resilience.
GNA
