Ghana Must Fix Property Market to Attract Diaspora Capital, Diaspora Affairs Director Says

Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office, has said Ghana’s property market must undergo urgent reforms to attract investment from the diaspora. He argued that the sector’s current challenges have created a trust deficit that discourages Ghanaians abroad from investing in real estate back home.

Speaking at the Ghana Expo Property & Lifestyle 2025 (Global Edition) in Accra, Darko said that adequate housing is a cornerstone of human dignity and social stability. He noted that housing is not only a basic need but also a key driver of economic growth through job creation and capital formation.

He described the Ghanaian diaspora as one of the nation’s most valuable assets, emphasizing that diaspora investors bring more than remittances. According to him, they provide patient capital, professional expertise, and global standards that can help modernize the property sector and support national development.

However, he warned that many diaspora investors remain cautious because of unresolved issues in the property market. He listed unclear land titles, multiple sales of the same property, fragmented regulatory systems, and weak post-purchase accountability as major factors undermining confidence.

Darko highlighted five major obstacles affecting the sector: land tenure insecurity due to the coexistence of customary and statutory land systems; fragmented regulation across multiple agencies; limited access to affordable long-term financing; infrastructure gaps within housing developments; and the persistent trust deficit affecting investors abroad.

He said the government is committed to implementing reforms to address these issues, including digitising land records, strengthening title registration processes, and improving dispute resolution mechanisms. He added that these reforms would make property transactions more transparent and reliable.

To boost affordable housing and attract diaspora capital, Darko also announced plans to expand public-private partnerships, introduce rent-to-own schemes, and create diaspora-focused investment frameworks. He said the Diaspora Affairs Office will play a central role in connecting investors to credible developers and trusted institutions, ensuring better coordination and accountability in the property market.