Nana Oye Bampoe Addo a Deputy Chief of Staff

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, has called on stakeholders in Ghana’s built environment to embrace forward-looking, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure development.

Speaking at the 2025 REACO International Conference in Accra on June 26, she emphasized the need for infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but is also resilient enough to withstand future shocks.

Addressing a packed auditorium of engineers, architects, real estate developers, policymakers, and academics, Bampoe Addo commended REACO International for its consistent efforts in championing innovation, skills development, and sustainability in the construction and real estate sectors.

“The theme, ‘Resilient Infrastructure for a Changing World’, is not just timely—it is urgent,” she declared.
“We must build systems and spaces that adapt, protect, and endure in the face of climate change, urbanization, pandemics, and digital disruption.”

Citing several infrastructure projects initiated under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, the former minister highlighted successes such as the Eastern Corridor Roads Project, Cocoa Roads Initiative, healthcare and educational infrastructure, and landmark interchanges across the country.

She also revealed plans under the NDC administration to complete and expand key developments, including the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, a new Home Ownership Scheme for military personnel, and the revival of Made-in-Ghana materials like pozzolana cement.

Bampoe Addo unveiled a forward-looking policy package that includes partnerships for affordable housing, a revised Rent Act, climate financing for rural infrastructure, and a GH¢13.85 billion allocation under the 2025 “Big Push” programme to fast-track national infrastructure development.

She further highlighted the recently launched National Apprenticeship Programme as a strategic initiative to train Ghanaian youth in technical and vocational trades.

“The young people in this room—students, interns, recent graduates—represent Ghana’s greatest resource. Let us give them not just hope, but tools. Let us build not only structures, but resilience,” she said.

Executive Director Ebenezer Duncan urged developers to rethink material choices and site practices in light of increasing climate threats.

“Floods, storms, and even earthquakes are becoming part of our new normal,” Duncan warned. “We must adopt high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly materials to protect lives and investments.”

He promoted the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials such as bamboo, cane, grass, and palm products, and called for strict adherence to soil testing and land-use regulations.

President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) and Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University, Dr. James Lindsay, echoed the call for sustainable practices.

In his keynote address, he pointed to the construction industry’s role in environmental degradation.

“As developers and builders, we must lead by example and take active steps to preserve the environment,” Dr. Lindsay said.

AM/KA

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