Mega Deal: Republic Bank and Multimedia Group Seal 3-Year Habitat Fair Partnership!

Republic Bank Ghana and the Multimedia Group Limited have formalized a significant three-year partnership, officially making Republic Bank the new title sponsor of the JoyNews Habitat Fair. The agreement was formally signed at Republic Bank's headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, solidifying a nationwide collaboration that encompasses all Habitat Fair events across Multimedia Group's diverse brands and locations. This development marks a new phase for the housing and property-focused initiative, positioning Republic Bank as its lead partner.

This nationwide expansion builds upon an already successful existing relationship, where Republic Bank served as the title sponsor for Luv FM's Habitat Fair in Kumasi for the past three years. Fiifi Koomson, General Manager of Joy Brands at Multimedia Group, highlighted the success of the Kumasi collaboration as the natural impetus for this broader engagement. He described the new agreement as a "statement of confidence" in the Multimedia Group's capabilities, expressing enthusiasm for the continued journey and commitment to deepening the partnership. Max Fugar, General Manager of Sales at the Multimedia Group, further emphasized this sentiment, describing the national partnership as the Habitat Fair returning "home."

Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana, articulated that the partnership arrives at a crucial time for Ghana, which continues to face a substantial housing deficit. He referenced a 2015 estimate placing the deficit at approximately 1.8 million housing units, a gap continually widened by rapid urbanization and population growth. Dr. Dzoboku underscored that the primary challenge isn't merely the availability of housing but rather its affordability, citing low household incomes, high borrowing costs, and issues like land litigation as significant barriers for aspiring homeowners. He stressed the necessity of a concerted effort from government, financial institutions, developers, media, and other stakeholders to tackle this national issue.

Dr. Dzoboku affirmed that housing finance is deeply embedded in Republic Bank's identity, tracing back to its origins as a home finance company in 1990. He declared, "Republic Bank financing of housing, as you all know, is not a side business. It is part of our gene." Despite its evolution into a commercial bank, the institution has steadfastly maintained its expertise and unwavering commitment to assisting Ghanaians in achieving their homeownership aspirations.

The bank currently offers a comprehensive suite of products tailored to support customers at every phase of their homeownership journey. These include financing solutions for buying, building, and owning homes, home completion and improvement loans, home equity financing, and pension-backed mortgages, among other specialized housing finance options. Dr. Dzoboku also noted the bank's active participation in the National Housing Scheme, where it aids public sector workers in acquiring homes, and its establishment of a Real Estate Investment Fund in 1995 for those interested in real estate investments. He characterized Republic Bank's holistic approach to housing as an "ecosystem" designed to empower Ghanaians to save, invest, build, buy, and ultimately create security for their families.

Welcoming the expansion of the Habitat Fair beyond Accra and Kumasi, Dr. Dzoboku highlighted its critical role in providing more Ghanaians with access to vital information and opportunities in the housing sector. He envisioned the national reach enabling individuals from various parts of the country – whether a nurse in Accra, a teacher in Zebila, or an entrepreneur in Ho – to engage directly with financial institutions, developers, and other key players to realize their dream homes. He passionately urged prospective homeowners not to abandon their aspirations due to financial or other hurdles, inviting them to Republic Bank Ghana to explore tailored solutions.

As a lead-up to the main fair events, Max Fugar announced the Republic Bank JoyNews Habitat Fair Clinic, scheduled to take place at Achimota Mall from August 21 to 23. This clinic will offer a direct engagement platform for the public with exhibitors and experts, including Republic Bank representatives, to discuss financing and other crucial aspects of homeownership. The partnership, whose signing ceremony was broadcast live across Multimedia Group's platforms, is poised to significantly bolster the Habitat Fair's role as a vital connector between aspiring homeowners and the comprehensive housing ecosystem in Ghana, reinforcing both organizations' commitment to fostering accessible homeownership.