Republic Bank has become the new title sponsor of the JoyNews Habitat Fair, following a three-year partnership agreement with the Multimedia Group Limited. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the headquarters of Republic Bank in Accra.
A National Housing Challenge
Ghana continues to grapple with a significant housing deficit, with affordability remaining one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership. According to Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana, Dr Benjamin Dzoboku, the country's housing deficit was estimated at about 1.8 million housing units in 2015, with rapid urbanisation and population growth continuing to widen the gap.
The challenge, Dr Dzoboku noted, goes beyond the availability of housing units. Low household incomes, borrowing costs, and land litigation are among the major barriers confronting prospective homeowners. Addressing Ghana's housing challenge would require a concerted effort involving government, financial institutions, developers, the media, and other stakeholders.
Housing Finance in Republic Bank's DNA
Republic Bank has a long history of housing finance, dating back to its origins as a home finance company in 1990. The bank has evolved from a mortgage-focused home finance company into a commercial bank, but has retained its expertise and commitment to helping Ghanaians achieve their homeownership ambitions.
Dr Dzoboku said Republic Bank currently offers a range of products designed to support customers at different stages of the homeownership journey. These include financing for buying, building, and owning a home, home completion and improvement, home equity financing, pension-backed mortgages, and other housing finance solutions.
Beyond Homeownership
The bank's involvement in the National Housing Scheme with the government has also enabled public sector workers to acquire homes. Beyond homeownership, Republic Bank has established a Real Estate Investment Fund in 1995, providing an avenue for people interested in investing in the real estate sector.
Dr Dzoboku described the bank's approach to housing as an ecosystem that enables Ghanaians to save, invest, build, buy, and create security for their families.
A Nationwide Habitat Fair
The expansion of the Habitat Fair partnership beyond Accra and Kumasi to give more Ghanaians access to information and opportunities around housing. The national reach will allow people in different parts of the country to engage financial institutions, developers, and other players in the housing sector.
General Manager, Sales at the Multimedia Group, Max Fugar, announced that the Habitat Fair will be held in Accra, Kumasi, and Ho, expanding its reach to the Volta Region this year. The Habitat Fair Clinic will be held at Achimota Mall from August 21 to 23, providing an opportunity for prospective homeowners to engage directly with exhibitors and experts on financing and other aspects of homeownership.
A New Partnership
The partnership between Republic Bank and the Multimedia Group is expected to strengthen the Habitat Fair as a platform connecting prospective homeowners with financial institutions, developers, construction companies, and other players across Ghana's housing ecosystem. As Dr Dzoboku said, "Do not abandon your dream of owning a home. Come to Republic Bank Ghana. Let us understand your circumstances. We have various options and we can chart the right path for you."
The signing ceremony was broadcast live on Joy FM and Joy News, as well as the organisation's digital platforms. With this new partnership, the Habitat Fair is set to become an even more important platform for stakeholders in the housing ecosystem to engage directly with prospective homeowners, answer their questions, and provide practical solutions.
Source: Joy Online
