Yecham Property consult, convener of the Ghana Green Building Summit (GGBS) and Global Entrepreneurship Network-Ghana, led a delegation of policy makers, built industry professionals, real estate developers and consultants to the 2nd edition of GGBS’ Real Estate Trade Mission and Sustainability Tour to the UK, from May 6 -14, 2024.
According to Cyril Nii Ayitey Tetteh, Executive Director of Yecham Property Consult and tour lead, the objective of the tour was to provide members of the delegation an opportunity to learn and discover innovative construction methods for green affordable housing, funding opportunities for green buildings, energy efficiency and e-mobility ventures and emerging circular technology in energy, transport and built environment amongst others.
The Tour also provided UK companies and organizations an opportunity to explore market access and Ghanaian businesses an opportunity to generate business leads through partnerships, B2B meetings at the exhibition.
From London to Manchester, supported by Minister for Works and Housing ,Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and Chief Director, Rev Stephen Yaw Osei, members of the delegation engaged key players in the built environment at different levels exploring public private partnership opportunities. The Tour kicked off following a courtesy call to Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Papa Owusu-Ankomah in his office. Other highlights of the tour included:
UK Construction Week – Attracting over 20,000 + visitors, this event provided the perfect platform for delegates to Learn and discover innovative construction methods for green affordable housing, generate business leads, explore funding opportunities for green buildings, energy efficiency and e-mobility ventures.
Global Entrepreneurship Network, (GEN-Ghana), local representatives of the event in Ghana were also instrumental in arranging a speaking slot at the event where Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah delivered a presentation on Construction Market Opportunities in Ghana. This was one of many seminars that the delegates attended during the event.
University of Salford Tour – As part of the Manchester leg of the tour, the delegation visited the University of Salford, where the group toured the University’s Energy House 2.0, an energy performance test facility that tests houses in a controlled environment.
A key outcome was an exploration of exchange programs between Salford and Ghanaian Universities.
Project Site Visits – Included a tour of Canary Wharf new residential developments and One Canada Square – the icon of Canary Wharf, featuring Level39, the world’s most connected tech community. The tour was conducted by unifi.id, a technology company that delivers automated building intelligence.
Green Affordable Housing Pipeline Development – The delegation explored potential partnerships to drive a pipeline of green affordable housing projects in Ghana by meeting key industry players. One of such, Reall, an investor and innovator in climate-smart affordable housing in urban Africa and Asia, shared insights from the Lahagu housing project in Tamale, Ghana.
This groundbreaking project showcases the feasibility of green affordable housing solutions, comprising 100 eco-friendly 2-bedroom units.
These units have eco-conscious features like low-flow water fittings, compressed earth block walls, and naturally ventilated spaces, making significant strides in energy and water efficiency.
The trade mission was supported by Ministry of Works and Housing and the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC).