Ghanaian Construction Expert Explains How People Can Build With GH₵50k In Ghana
- A Ghanaian YouTuber from Africa Building Hub explained how to build a functional house for GH₵50,000, using a Tamale project as an example
- Cost-saving strategies include; using exposed bricks instead of blocks to avoid plastering and painting and opting for basic kitchen and bathroom features
- He emphasised that labour costs are the most expensive item and should be negotiated wisely to benefit the owner
- Ghanaian architect-builder Nathaniel Adjei Arthur dismisses the claim that it is possible to build a good and functional house with such an amount
- Building contractor Romeo Doku, who has worked with A’lous Consult and Kuga Construction, estimated what GH₵50,000 can cover in the building process and shared his advice
- Contractor Obiri Yeboah said 50,000 cedis can only build an old-style two-bedroom, not a modern house
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
A Ghanaian YouTuber who is into building and construction has shared how people can put up functional buildings for GH₵50,000.
Africa Building Hub said that even though the money seems little and incapable of putting up a building complex, it is possible to get it done.
Source: UGC
In a YouTube video on the Africa Building Hub page, the expert explained simple ways to do it, using a house built in Tamale and sold for GH₵50,000.
He explained that the home's features make it realistic and reiterating this could be replicated anywhere in Ghana, even in Accra.
The construction expert said one prominent feature of the said housing unit is the use of bricks instead of blocks. The bricks were also exposed, so there was no need for plastering and painting compared to using blocks.
For instance, he added that the kitchen and toilet had very basic features, and the floor was not tiled like most houses.
The construction expert indicated that the kitchen had no sink, cabinet, or shelves, and the bathroom and toilet had few tiles.
To him, the most expensive part of the building must be the labour cost, which, if negotiated well, will benefit the owner.
Watch the video below:
Netizens comment on building for GH₵50,000
YEN.com.gh collated some comments on the post shared by Africa Building Hub. Read them below:
@edwingross9778 said:
"Yes it true you can build it cheap, but you will need to be the construction manager of your build and not put your money in the hands of a contractor. You must be the one that purchases all the materials and rent the equipment to assist you in your build. Unfortunately, most people trust others, and they will be defrauded of their money in Ghana if they put their trust in someone they don't know."
@yvonnegoh2715 wrote:
"We need affordable housing. This is proof that it can be done."
@A4amenvi said:
"Ministry of Housing come and see what we mean by Affordable Housing. You guys will build this same thing and tell us it costs $40k per unit in this country."
@l.e.sparklesfkaelliesparkl5875 wrote:
"The interlocking brick is gorgeous. It doesn’t have to cost $100k plus for an average 3-bedroom house."
@akuastruth said:
"These homes are eco-friendly. Hoping more would lean more towards this type of build. Who is the contractor?"
Building durable homes with GH₵50,000 deemed unrealistic
YEN.com.gh, in a conversation with Ghanaian architect-builder Nathaniel Adjei Arthur, gathered his thoughts on the claims.
He stated emphatically, "Building a durable and well-functioning house with such an amount will be extremely difficult. Considering the current prices of building materials and labor costs in Ghana, it is highly unlikely to put up a functional house with GH₵50,000 without compromising on quality, safety, and durability. While cost-saving strategies may reduce expenses to some extent, the reality is that both materials and workmanship require significant investment if one desires a house that will stand the test of time and provide comfort for its occupants."
Contractor estimates what GH₵50k can build
Ghanaian building contractor Romeo Deku, in an interview with YEN.com.gh, shared his insights on the construction estimate and guide. He explained that that amount cannot realistically be covered and advised that inflation must also be taken into account.
“With GH₵50,000, what you can realistically cover is the foundation, blockwork, roofing sheets, a basic cement floor, simple plywood or flush doors, iron windows, electrical wiring, water piping, plastering, and some minimal painting. But this amount will not cover fancy tiles, POP ceilings, aluminum windows, a fitted kitchen, air conditioning, or high-end plumbing. The challenge is that inflation and the rising cost of cement and iron rods in Ghana make it harder each year. And this amount does not even include land, which alone in places like Accra or Kumasi can exceed GH₵50,000. Because of stricter building codes in urban areas, this budget works best in rural settings,” Romeo Deku explained in his interview with YEN.com.gh.
Another contractor, Obiri Yeboah, breaks down
YEN.com.gh In a chat with Ghanaian contractor Obiri Yeboah of De Simone Company Ltd, he reacted to the 50,000 cedis building budget, stating that it cannot construct a modern two-bedroom house unless it is the old style.
He said: “To build a well-crafted and nice-looking quality house, you cannot use 50,000 cedis. That amount may only cover a regular two-bedroom with a porch like the old style, but not a proper house with a kitchen, washroom, roofing, ceiling, tiles, glass windows, and a security door. For that, 50,000 cedis will be just a penny.”
Ghanaian explains cost of a two-bedroom house
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a Ghanaian journalist, Kofi Adoma Nwanwani, shared how much it will take to build a two-bedroom house in Ghana.
He estimated that 4,500 blocks, priced at GH¢7 each at prevailing market rates, would be needed, bringing the total cost to GH¢31,500.
Other materials include: 200 bags of cement, three trips of sand, and a ton of iron rods.
Proofread by Samuel Gitonga, Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh
Source: YEN.com.gh
