The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament is strongly opposing the government’s plan to collaborate with a private developer to address issues with the Saglemi Housing Project.
According to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Works and Housing, approximately $100 million is needed to make the Saglemi Housing Project suitable for habitation. During an inspection of the project site, Oppong Nkrumah revealed intentions to engage a private partner within a five-week timeframe.
“…I instructed the technical working group to proceed with an international expression of interest over the next five weeks, aimed at attracting private developers who can complete this project for us so that it can be utilized,” he stated.
However, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, the Ranking Member on the Works and Housing Committee, has accused the government of planning to transfer the Saglemi Housing Project to its associates and allies.
“Their intention is simply to reduce the price and then sell it to their friends. They claim they are bringing in partners, but ultimately, it will be their associates who benefit. Under the NPP administration, all state lands and properties are being put up for sale. Let’s wait and see what happens at the end of the NPP administration,” he asserted.
Initiated in 2012 during the tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, the Saglemi housing project aimed to construct 5,000 housing units. However, the project has been mired in controversy, with allegations of misappropriation of funds leading to its suspension.