The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has voiced his strong opposition to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s controversial decision to abandon the Saglemi Housing Project in favor of allocating over GHc500 million to the National Cathedral project.
Taking to Facebook to express his views, the former President accused the government of ditching the Saglemi Housing project simply because it was initiated during his own administration. This move, he argued, reflects a partisan approach to governance rather than a focus on the welfare of the Ghanaian people.
President Akufo-Addo, on the other hand, defended his administration’s actions during a sod-cutting ceremony held on Tuesday, August 1. He justified the abandonment of the Saglemi Housing Project by citing concerns over its potential contribution to the national debt if completed.
However, this explanation did not sit well with John Dramani Mahama, who vehemently criticized the government’s choices. He contended that while the administration can find resources for a grandiose project like the National Cathedral, it seems to have neglected the pressing need for affordable housing in the country.
The former President pointed out that the apparent misplacement of priorities sends a disheartening message to Ghanaians. By allocating substantial funds to a religious infrastructure project while neglecting the housing needs of citizens, the government’s actions, in his view, amount to a “humiliating slap in the face” for the people of Ghana.
“It is unacceptable for Akufo-Addo to spend over half a billion cedis on a national cathedral project that has ultimately failed due to corruption and is now abandoned, yet refuses to commit funds to complete a housing project that will benefit thousands of Ghanaian families.
“Knowing the NPP government, they did not want to complete the Saglemi housing project simply because it was initiated by John Mahama and an NDC administration.
“Leaders must always prioritise the well-being of their citizens and ensure that they benefit from government resources and projects, regardless of who initiated them.
“The misplaced priorities of a government that claim it is unable to raise money to complete the Saglemi housing project and yet is willing to spend half a billion cedis on the largest civil excavation in Africa is a humiliating slap in the face of Ghanaians who entrusted Akufo Addo with their mandate.
“Just think about the countless number of Ghanaian families who could have had decent living conditions over the past 7 years and the individuals who could have had a place to truly call home in Saglemi.
