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Don’t build what you can’t afford to finish – Architect on building a dream home
August 14, 2026
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Don’t build what you can’t afford to finish – Architect on building a dream home

Money
Opportunity
Growth

Key Points

  • Architect Nana Akua Birmeh advises Ghanaians to prioritize building homes they can realistically afford over ambitious, unfinishable dream projects.
  • She notes that many people begin construction without properly assessing costs or their financial capacity, leading to years of unfinished or abandoned houses.
  • Birmeh advocates for a gradual approach to home ownership, starting with a manageable property and upgrading over time, akin to climbing a 'home's ladder'.
  • She attributes the high number of uncompleted buildings in Ghanaian cities partly to individuals failing to calculate the full cost of their dream homes.
  • The article concludes by mentioning Republic Bank's efforts through the JoyNews Habitat Fair to connect prospective homeowners with financing and affordable housing solutions.

Why This Matters

This article is highly significant for Ghana as it addresses the prevalent issue of uncompleted buildings, which represent significant wasted capital and resources across the country. Architect Birmeh's advice promotes financial prudence and a more sustainable approach to home ownership, which can lead to greater individual financial stability and more efficient urban development. The mention of Republic Bank's initiatives highlights ongoing efforts to make home ownership more accessible and address the housing deficit responsibly.

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