In the midst of Ghana’s growing housing problem, Eric Kwaku Gyimah is leading a pioneering effort to convert shipping containers into affordable, eco-friendly homes.
Gyimah’s company, IWoodz Creation, doesn’t just make homes but also constructs shops, offices, and cafes using retired shipping containers.
Ghana’s Statistical Service reports that out of Ghana’s 33 million people, around six million urgently need housing. This issue hits hardest in cities like Accra, where not enough homes are available, leading to overcrowded slums. The United Nations found that from 2017 to 2020, the number of people living in these conditions rose from 5.5 million to 8.8 million.
Cities are filling up fast due to people moving from rural areas and natural population growth. This has made the housing shortage worse, causing more slums and informal settlements to pop up. Economic difficulties and limited access to money make it tough for many Ghanaians to buy or build homes.Â
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Gyimah’s goal is to offer cheap and sustainable living options. His homes, made for those needing affordable living, range from $7,000 to $10,000 for simple designs and up to $35,000 for fancier ones. These prices are much lower than regular houses made of bricks and mortar.
Building these homes is pretty quick, with simple designs taking a few weeks and fancier ones up to a year. Gyimah stresses that his homes use natural air flow, cutting down on the need for energy-guzzling cooling systems like air conditioners.
Critics, like town planner Abrahim Sowah-Dei, say long-term plans are needed to ensure sustainability and community well-being. Housing activist Mohammed Awal thinks container homes should meet high safety, comfort, and dignity standards to make sure marginalized communities aren’t stuck with what could be seen as second-rate living.
The big flood in October 2023, caused by the Akosombo dam bursting, showed just how much innovative housing is needed. Over 40,000 people were left homeless by the flood, making Gyimah think about expanding to provide mobile homes for disaster victims. This plan aims to give safe places to stay that also give hope to those who’ve lost everything.
As Ghana deals with its housing crisis, projects like Gyimah’s container homes could be a big help. They show how new ideas can tackle tough social problems and give people better places to live.
The prevalence of housing crises in numerous countries underscores the critical need for innovative solutions.
In line with this mission, platforms like Krent are dedicated to facilitating access to affordable housing options tailored to individual preferences.Â