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Habitat for Humanity International and the Master Card Foundation, on Monday launched a 6.6 million dollar partnership in Accra, to expand micro-finance access, to improve homes for disadvantaged families in three African countries. The five-year partnership would reach people in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, who cannot access formal financial institutions. The launch coincides with World Habitat Day, an annual event, designated by the United Nations to draw attention to the systems, policies and attitudes that lead to poverty, housing and to involve partners in solutions. Mr. James Anewenah, National Director, Habitat for Humanity, Ghana, said in an address, that despite efforts by government to provide houses, coupled with the efforts of private estate developers, the demand for housing units still out-stripped supply. He called on government to critically examine the supply of decent, affordable housing for low income earners in the country. "It is estimated that Ghana is in deficit of about one milllion housing units. As we celebrate World Habitat Day today, we would like to draw the attention of all stake-holders to this desperate need for adequate housing for everyone." He said Habitat would support the delivery of housing micro-finance to families who would undertake incremental building adding, "in Ghana, most families build their homes in phases." Over the past 25 years, Habitat has built 7,500 houses for families across the country Habitat for Humanity International is a global non-profit Christian housing organisation that brings people together to build homes and communities. The Master Card Foundation advances microfinance and youth learning to promote financial inclusion and prosperity.