President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has justified the government’s decision to initiate a new housing project instead of continuing with the Saglemi Housing project, which had been commenced during the previous administration under John Mahama.
The Saglemi project, which was launched in 2016, came to a standstill following the government’s assertion that it did not serve the best interests of the Ghanaian people.
Addressing the audience at the sod-cutting ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, where the National Affordable Housing Project was officially inaugurated, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the new endeavor, aimed at constructing around 8,000 units through collaboration with the private sector, was a more viable option. The President articulated that completing the Saglemi Housing Project would have incurred a substantial increase in national debt, a risk the government was unwilling to take.
“We are aware of the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of this project. The issues about the scope of work and the money expended on the Saglemi project have been taken to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation which has resulted in criminal judicial proceedings.
“However, in the meantime, to forestall the project from deteriorating the Minister of Works and Government has actively engaged government, cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Attorney General on the completion of the project.”
“It has been established that in addition to the $198 million already expended on the project, the government has to raise additional funding to the tune of $ 46 million to complete the infrastructural works. That is water, electricity, and drains to mitigate flooding.
“Further, $68million is required to complete the buildings and other essential onsite infrastructure works like the waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants and the development of socioeconomic and civic infrastructure such as basic school, clinic and shops,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo noted that based on the assessments and having taken into account the project location and viability, the cabinet directed the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye to explore the possibility of exposing the Saglami housing project at the current value to the private sector to complete at no further cost to the government.
