Ashaiman Chief explores affordable housing technology in South Africa

The Chief of Ashaiman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Village Garden Homes, Nii Annang Amui Adzor III, has paid a courtesy call on Hydraform International (Pty) Limited, a leading construction technology and manufacturing company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The visit formed part of the chief’s strategic efforts to explore innovative and cost-effective housing solutions to address Ghana’s housing deficit while creating sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
Technology
During the visit, Nii Annang Amui Adzor III was taken through the company’s advanced brick- and block-making technology, particularly its interlocking soil-cement block system. The technology uses locally available materials such as soil, water and a small quantity of cement to produce durable and affordable building blocks.
The system, which eliminates the need for conventional mortar in construction, has been widely adopted for building affordable housing, schools, hospitals and commercial facilities across several countries.
The Ashaiman chief also familiarised himself with Hydraform’s training programmes, construction support services and project implementation models. These initiatives are designed to empower entrepreneurs, institutions and governments to establish their own brick-making enterprises and housing projects.
Speaking after the tour, Nii Annang Amui Adzor III commended Hydraform International for its innovation and long-standing reputation in sustainable construction.
Approach
He noted that the company’s approach of leveraging locally sourced materials to produce cost-effective building solutions was particularly relevant to Ghana’s developmental needs.
“The ability to utilise our own soil to produce quality building materials at a reduced cost is a game changer in tackling the housing challenges we face as a country,” he said.
The chief further indicated his commitment to replicating the Hydraform model in Ghana, particularly in Ashaiman, through strategic partnerships with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
According to him, such collaborations would equip the youth with practical skills in modern construction technologies, thereby reducing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.
“We are determined to empower our young people with employable skills while addressing the housing deficit. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to achieve both,” he added.
Optimism
For his part, the Sales Executive and After Sales Champion of Hydraform International, Mr Rudi Gerber, expressed optimism about Ghana’s potential to benefit from the company’s technologies.
He noted that the interest demonstrated by the Ashaiman chief was a strong indication of the country’s readiness to embrace innovative construction solutions.
Mr Gerber emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships that would ensure knowledge transfer, capacity building and the successful implementation of projects.
Support
He added that Hydraform was committed to supporting Ghana through training programmes and the provision of modern machinery required for the production of interlocking soil-cement blocks, also known as compressed earth blocks.
He further stated that such collaborations would enhance access to affordable housing and promote dignified and sustainable livelihoods for the youth.
Mr Gerber thanked Nii Annang Amui Adzor III for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to work closely with stakeholders in Ghana to drive impactful and sustainable development in the construction sector.