John Sheriff Bawah, State Housing Company Managing Director
The State Housing Company Limited (SHC) has issued a final notice to individuals and entities occupying or developing lands and properties belonging to the company without authorisation, warning that legal action and demolitions could follow if offenders fail to comply within 21 days.
In a press statement dated February 16, 2026, SHC said the directive forms part of efforts by the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, to safeguard state assets and ensure orderly development across the country.
According to the company, a recent nationwide land audit uncovered “significant levels of unauthorised occupation, encroachment and development on SHC owned lands and properties across various parts of the country,” a situation it says is undermining its mandate to provide affordable housing for Ghanaians.
“The Management of the State Housing Company Limited (SHC)… hereby issue this formal notice to the general public regarding the encroachment of lands and properties belonging to the State Housing Company Limited,” the statement said.
Government to establish mortgage desk to address housing challenges – SHC MD
SHC noted that individuals, groups, developers, and entities occupying, selling, leasing, or laying claim to its lands without valid and verifiable documentation must immediately cease such activities.
The company reminded the public that state lands are protected under Ghana’s Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), stressing that unauthorised occupation constitutes both a criminal and civil offence under Ghanaian law.
As part of efforts to resolve the situation, SHC is offering affected persons an opportunity to regularise their occupancy where applicable. The company has directed encroachers to halt all development activities and report to any SHC office nationwide within 21 days for verification.
“SHC hereby invites all persons who have encroached upon or are currently occupying SHC lands or properties without valid documentation to stop all development activities immediately and report to any State Housing Company Limited office within 21 days of this notice for verification and regularization, where applicable,” the statement said.
Applicants will also be required to submit formal applications for regularisation, subject to the company’s planning and zoning requirements.
SHC also warned that failure to comply with the notice will trigger enforcement actions after the deadline expires. These measures include legal proceedings, demolition of unauthorised structures, recovery of lands, and collaboration with state security agencies to enforce compliance.
“The company wishes to state that it will not hesitate to take decisive actions after expiry of this notice including but not limited to legal action, demolition of unauthorised structures, and recovery of lands and properties,” the statement read.
The company further advised members of the public to conduct due diligence before engaging in land or property transactions, cautioning that it will not be responsible for losses arising from dealings with unauthorised persons.
“Members of the general public are strongly advised to conduct due diligence and verify all land and property transactions with SHC directly. SHC shall not be liable to losses incurred through dealings with unauthorised persons,” the statement added.
SHC said the notice is aimed at protecting state assets, ensuring orderly urban development, and upholding the rule of law.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com