The decision to start a new housing project rather than pursuing the Saglemi Housing project, which had encountered difficulties and had been on hold since 2016 under the John Mahama administration, has been addressed by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo made the government’s justification clear during the sod-cutting ceremony for the National Affordable Housing Project on Tuesday, August 1.
He emphasized that the government would have accrued more debt had the Saglemi Housing Project been completed.
He acknowledged the obstacles and delays that were encountered during the project’s execution and disclosed that the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Division was looking into the project’s budget and scope of work, which would result in criminal court proceedings.
President Akufo-Addo stated that an additional $46 million would be needed to finish infrastructural works, such as water, electricity, and drainage, in order to reduce flooding and ensure proper infrastructure. Additionally, $68 million would be required for the completion of the structures and necessary onsite infrastructure, such as sewage treatment facilities, waste holding bays, and the development of civic and socioeconomic facilities like schools, clinics, and stores.
The Cabinet gave the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the order to investigate involving the private sector to complete the Saglemi housing project at its current value without imposing any further cost on the government in light of the thorough evaluation of the Saglemi project, its location, and its viability.
This strategy aims to guarantee effective execution and successful delivery of the housing units for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for the North Tongu in the Volta region has named a number of New Patriotic Party bigwigs he says are behind an amount of GHS187.3million to be paid them through an illegal means.
First on the list he mentioned is cousin to President Akufo-Addo – Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, among others.
The National Democratic Congress lawmaker made this known in a Facebook post.
